TechEase Blog | TechEaseTyler

Smith County Financial Abuse Case: What Every Tyler Senior Needs to Know

Robert Richardson

Smith County Financial Abuse Case: What Every Tyler Senior Needs to Know

A Smith County man has been arrested for allegedly stealing at least $200,000 from a 77-year-old woman he called a friend, with investigators believing the total may top $2 million across multiple victims. Here is what elder financial abuse looks like, how to spot it, and who to call if it happens to you or someone you love.

Jun 29, 2026

Flock Safety Cameras Are All Over Tyler: Do They Actually Make Us Safer?

Robert Richardson

Flock Safety Cameras Are All Over Tyler: Do They Actually Make Us Safer?

Flock Safety cameras scan license plates across Tyler 24 hours a day. Law enforcement says they help solve crime. But community groups are petitioning for their removal, pointing to privacy concerns, AI errors that have wrongly targeted innocent drivers, and questions about who really has access to your travel data.

Jun 29, 2026

East Texas Bank Issues a Warning to Customers

Robert Richardson

East Texas Bank Issues a Warning to Customers

A local East Texas bank is sounding the alarm about a new scam targeting customers over the phone. Criminals are posing as bank employees to steal account information. Here's what to watch for and how to protect yourself.

Jun 17, 2026

Windows 11 gets a much needed update that might impact how fast our machines are (in a good way)

Robert Richardson

Windows 11 gets a much needed update that might impact how fast our machines are (in a good way)

If your Windows 11 computer has felt a little sluggish lately, a recent update may be quietly fixing that. Here's what happened, what it means for you, and whether you need to do anything.

Jun 10, 2026

Microsoft Fixed a Serious Security Hole in Windows Defender: Here Is Why Automatic Updates Are a Priceless Habit

Robert Richardson

Microsoft Fixed a Serious Security Hole in Windows Defender: Here Is Why Automatic Updates Are a Priceless Habit

Microsoft recently patched dangerous security holes in its Defender software that attackers were already using. If your computer has automatic updates turned on, you are already protected. Here is what happened and exactly how to check your settings.

Jun 2, 2026

How to Spot and Prevent IRS Scams

Robert Richardson

How to Spot and Prevent IRS Scams

IRS scammers call, text, and email millions of Americans every year. They sound official, they sound urgent, and they will lie to you. Here is how to recognize them and what to do if one contacts you.

May 30, 2026

Your Windows 11 Folders Will Finally Remember How You Like Them

Robert Richardson

Your Windows 11 Folders Will Finally Remember How You Like Them

If your Windows 11 folders kept forgetting how you organized them, Microsoft just fixed that in a new update. Here is what changed and why it matters for your everyday computer use.

May 26, 2026

"Sorry, Wrong Number" Text Scam: How to Spot It and Protect Yourself

"Sorry, Wrong Number" Text Scam: How to Spot It and Protect Yourself

Scammers across East Texas are sending wrong number texts that look like innocent mistakes. They are not. Here is how this scam works and exactly what to do to stay safe.

May 20, 2026

Dollar General Manager Helps Stop $500 Scam on a Veteran

Robert Richardson

Dollar General Manager Helps Stop $500 Scam on a Veteran

A Dollar General manager in Beaumont, Texas noticed something was wrong when an elderly veteran started buying gift cards. She called police and bought just enough time to prevent a $500 loss. Here is what happened, and what it can teach all of us about one of the most common scams targeting seniors today.

May 13, 2026

Three ATM Scammers Busted in East Texas

Three ATM Scammers Busted in East Texas

A sophisticated ATM 'jackpotting' scheme has hit banks in Tyler and Jacksonville. While criminals are using high-tech tricks to make machines spit out cash, the good news is that your personal account is likely safe. Here is the full story on the recent arrests, the malware behind it, and what it means for our East Texas community.

Apr 23, 2026

How to Stop Windows Updates From Interrupting Your Day (Without Risking Your Computer)

How to Stop Windows Updates From Interrupting Your Day (Without Risking Your Computer)

Your computer has great timing. Right when you're in the middle of something you can't pause, Windows decides it can. That spinning restart screen. Those 20-minute update blocks at the worst possible ...

Apr 9, 2026

The "Fake Deputy" Bitcoin Trap Is Hitting Smith County Families

The "Fake Deputy" Bitcoin Trap Is Hitting Smith County Families

🚨 Official Warning: According to the Tyler Morning Telegraph, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office White Collar Crime Division is actively documenting these impersonation and Bitcoin scams as of March 23...

Apr 3, 2026

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