I have been informed by my bank (BNZ) that they will no longer accept cheques as of July 2021. I don't have many options for alternatives as ANZ, ASB, Westpac and Kiwibank have all announced similar cut-off dates.
I generally have eftpos facilities with me, which I hope will be a good alternative for many.
I'll post more as we get closer to the cut-off date.
Level 1 of Covid-19 means normality for Kings Computers. No more social distancing which makes it so much easier to work on your computer equipment. This should also be the last post about Covid-19 and I thank everyone for doing their bit to beat it.
Another recall -
Power Supply for WD My Passport Wireless Pro & SSD
www.recalls.govt.nz
The power supply is unsafe when used with the adapter for Australia or New Zealand. The hard drive/SSD and USB cables are not affected. There is a risk of electric shock arising from the exposure of live parts if the power supply is assembled incorrectly. Stop using your power supply (APP524-051240U...Some BNZ customers are being targeted by automated calls claiming to be from VISA.
If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately.
Check out our Scam Savvy website for more information www.getscamsavvy.co.nz/
Now that we are at Level 2 of the Covid-19 response, Kings Computers is almost fully operational. I will use the 1-metre separation rule as I keep customer information and thus have traceability info. I would still prefer drop-off at 7 Kenrick St, but at Level 2 it is much easier for me to visit you.
With our Covid-19 response moving to Level 3 on Tuesday (28 April) there wont be many changes for Kings Computers. While we will no longer be limited to "essential" jobs, we will still be required to follow the rules around separation.
As such I would prefer people to bring their computers to me at the address below as that will make it easier to maintain separation.
Stay healthy and hopefully we will get to Level 2 and Level 1 shortly.
Kings Computers
7 Kenrick St
next to St Mark's Church
Things keep changing. Which I guess is because putting an entire country into lock-down isn't something that people are experienced at doing.
So, while my workshop is closed, I now am able to attend Essential Businesses or people working from home.
For everyone else, I can still be contacted my phone for advice or maybe remote support, but you might need to leave a message on the machine.
Things keep changing at a rapid pace. Thus, as we enter Level 4, I'm closed as I'm not classed as an Essential Service.
I expect you've all heard a lot about the COVID-19 virus. Along with information from various businesses about how they are reacting to it.
At the moment it is business as usual for Kings Computers. However, if you're suffering from a cold, or flu, or something worse, please let me know and we'll sort out something for you.
Apart from when I first started the page and company, I never went after "likes" as I was too busy giving great service to people. However, many thanks to all those who have liked this page as we hit 300 likes total.
I'm sure you are all aware that security support for Windows 7 has ended. This doesn't mean that Windows 7 will suddenly stop working, although you might get a screen giving you the official story from Microsoft.
For residential customers I suggest that you look into upgrading to Windows 10 within the next year or two.
For business customers I suggest sooner rather than later.
But one thing is for sure, you do need to upgrade.
These are a bit old, but someone may still be using them.
AC adapter for Epson “Perfection” scanners - Sold from 2010 to 2013
www.recalls.govt.nz
The AC adapters may overheat, melt or ignite potentially causing smoke, odour and deformation to the DC plug which can result in damage to the scanner and could result in an electrical fire. Stop using the AC adapter and visit Epson’s website or call the customer help line to check if your scanner...NZ Transport Agency is warning people to be on the lookout for a scam vehicle licence (rego) email currently in circulation.
While the email appears to be a standard vehicle licensing (rego) renewal reminder, with the NZ Transport Agency logo and links to the online transaction website, it is part of a sophisticated phishing exercise. The phishing email also comes from an email address with an nzta.co.nz suffix, rather than nzta.govt.nz.
If you’ve recently received an email asking you to renew your rego, please check the email details carefully. If the email was genuinely sent from the Transport Agency, it will include your specific vehicle details including:
• your vehicle’s plate number
• vehicle make
• the expiry date of your current vehicle licence.
If the email does not include your specific vehicle details, do not complete the online renewal transaction webpage that the email takes you to. If you think you’ve received a scam email, or you’re unsure, please call NZTA on 0800 108 809.
For more info visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/nz-transport-agency-warning-customers-to-be-on-guard-against-emai...
We've moved to 7 Kenrick St. Next to St Mark's Church and across from the Fire Station. While we have moved, we are still unpacking and trying to find things.
When you call us on 884 9590 you may get diverted to voice mail on my cellphone. Not an ideal situation but there is some confusion between 2, or more, telecommunication companies. So, please leave a voice mail and we will get in touch as soon as possible. Hopefully normal service will return shortly.
I think everyone has received an email from a bank, an internet company, or someone else that looks really legitimate but isn't. If in any doubt, delete it, or call the company that sent it to you to confirm.Phishing emails can look and feel legitimate. They use the same design and logos as the company or organisation they’re pretending to be, and the same kind of language.
It's so important to stop and think - 'Is this for real?'
This week is Fraud Awareness Week so check out our top tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
consumerprotection.govt.nz/is-this-a-scam/
I've decided that moving isn't much fun. Well, packing equipment that is still needed to help customers creates all sorts of issues. So far so good.
Remember, as of 2 December we'll be at 7 Kenrick St, Te Aroha.
Timeline PhotosIf you ever receive an unsolicited text from your bank or service provider asking you to verify your identity or provide personal information, it may be a scam.
Stop and think - 'Is this for real?'
This week is Fraud Awareness Week so check out our top tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe
consumerprotection.govt.nz/is-this-a-scam/
My previous post referenced some old suburb names in Te Aroha. That was just me being rather obscure 🙂
We are moving to 7 Kenrick St. It is on the corner of Kenrick and Koromiko and many people will know the building as St Mark's Vicarage. The move will happen at the end of this month, and I'm hoping it will all go smoothly.😁
Kings Computers is moving to a new location in Te Aroha. More details like dates and location to be published when I have the details worked out.
Police 👮♀️ vs Scammers 🚫
It can be tough knowing that there is a high chance that beautiful necklace you want to buy over Facebook is not real.
We recently had a victim in the Waikato who had been scammed 3 times, by the same person, trying to buy the same product, losing $1,000 in the process.
Scamming Red Flags:
🚩The seller is being pushy.
🚩The seller asks for too many personal details.
🚩The items are too good to be true.
🚩The price is too good to be true.
If you’re surfing the web 🏄♂️ and in the process of purchasing something consider the following tips to stay safe:
✅Never give away personal information.
✅Complete the transaction in person with cash when possible.
✅Screenshot every conversation and the persons details.
✅Do not trust everyone over the internet.
We deal with cases of online scammers every day, but we know there are many more incidents out there that are not being reported.
An online crime, is the same as an offline crime and you can absolutely report it to us so that we can help you. 💪
#SaferCommunitiesTogether
Wireless landline power back-up product recall | Spark NZ
www.spark.co.nz
Get nonstop Netflix when you join a Spark entertainment broadband plan. No more short-term Netflix deals. Terms apply. Sign up today.I recently had a chance to try internet access via a 4G Wireless modem. I won't mention the ISP, but as only 2 offer this service, you have a 50/50 chance of guessing right 🙂
It's not perfect as 4G was really designed for cell phones, but in areas where ADSL or VDSL isn't available, then 4G Wireless is a good option. It works well, is fast enough for general use, and can even provide a VOIP phone connection. (If you don't know what VOIP is, then you probably don't need it).
For rural people, it provides some competition to Lightwire (aka No 8 wireless) or Farmside. It comes down to who has the nearest tower to you, and thus the fastest speed.
Of course, we'd all love to have fibre (aka UFB). But for Te Aroha, that's next year.
www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/two-charged-money-laundering-over-sophisticated-phone-scam-ta...
Two charged with money laundering over sophisticated phone scam targeting elderly Kiwis
www.tvnz.co.nz
Victims have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on the scams, police say.15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program
Apple has determined that, in a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. Affected units were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017 and product eligibility is determined by the product serial number.
Customer safety is always Apple's top priority, and we have voluntarily decided to replace affected batteries, free of charge.
Eligibility
First check to see which 15-inch MacBook Pro you have. Choose About This Mac from the Apple menu () in the upper-left corner of your screen. Confirm your model is "MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)." If you have that model, enter your computer's serial number below to see if it is eligible for this program.
If your MacBook Pro is eligible, please stop using it and follow the instructions below to have your battery replaced.
support.apple.com/en-nz/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall
15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program - Apple Support
support.apple.com
15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall ProgramMacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, mid-2015 model)
www.recalls.govt.nz
Apple has determined that in a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. If you have an older generation Apple MacBook Pro: follow the instructions and use the serial number lookup tool, to determine if it is affected and elig...From the NZ Police -
www.police.govt.nz/news/release/don%E2%80%99t-let-your-loved-ones-fall-victim-scams
Don’t let your loved ones fall victim to scams
www.police.govt.nz
New Zealand Police want to help prevent your loved ones falling victim to scams – and we need you to spread the word with your friends and families.An interesting article from Stuff.
'Older people can learn': Digital skills important to help seniors stay connected
www.stuff.co.nz
Jenny Greig is 80 and uses her smart phone for "just about everything", including casting her favourite shows to her TV.