The Phishing/Trojan Scam -What Is It?
The phishing/trojan scam has been around for a while, however, it is making a comeback. Why? People and companies are become more savvy-thus, so are the attackers.
If you work on the Internet, do a lot of Internet browsing, or you're into Social Media you must remain, or become more alert. The phishing/trojan scam is hitting not only consumers but enterprises as well.
Check out the details in my article:
Phishing/Trojan Scams on the Rise
There seems to be a decline in straight phishing scams-meaning that attackers are finding different methods to obtain the same gains they found with phishing but are now incorporating a Trojan. I give you a quick intro to what phishing is, as well as, what a Trojan is and can do to your system, before giving examples of what is hitting the Internet. Read More....
Read more...
Showing posts with label scams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scams. Show all posts
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Scams and Your Personal and Financial Data
Whether you work online or offline it's time to educate yourself of the new scams that have morphed itself from the phishing scams.
For those who do not know what a phishing scam let me enlighten you. And for those who have heard about a phishing scam, let me refresh your memory. A phishing scam is the attempt by an individual to gather personal and/or financial information from you through an e-mail, phone call or letter.
Now, what are some of the ways the phishing scams been morphed into?
E-mail phishing
The individual (scammer) will send an official looking e-mail pretending to have come from Paypal, credit union, bank, or even a retail establishment with the hope of gaining personal information. (Note: for those looking for jobs you have to be careful about solicitations from scammers enticing you to try for a position -and all you have to do is provide them
with some additional information.)
Vishing
Vishing is the use of your telephone. The victim will get an e-mail or voice mail message asking them to make a phone call. The victim will make the call which will trigger a voice response system asking the user for their card number or other personal or financial information.
Smishing
Smishing is a mobile phone scam. The mobile phone user will receive a text message with the purpose of getting the user to click on a link.
Phishing-through the mail
The phishing through the snail mail- (surprising as it may seem-since it does cost money to send a letter) is where the scammer sends an individual a letter requesting that they respond to the letter by calling a specific phone number- for their own protection. My advice, if it is an institution that you do business with-contact them to verify-before you decide to give that "specific phone number" a call.
How to protect yourself
1. Do not click on the link they provide.
2. If you want to check the link. Open up a session of the Internet and put in your stored link - NOT THE LINK provided within the email. And verify the information.
3. Contact the company that you are doing business with to make them aware of what is going on - and/or to verify that the email or letter was truly sent by the company. If it was not, then this warning will allow them to notify other people that they do business with, with what is happening.
4. If you do any business online - use security software
5. Make sure the website shows SSI security- (https//)
6. Make sure your browser is up-to-date and all security patches are current.
To conclude: use caution when giving out your personal information-online or offline.
About the Author:
Vickie J Scanlon Visit her site at: http://www.myaffiliateplace.biz for tools, security utilities, articles on affiliate/internet marketing business, ebooks, how to info, tech and tech accessories for the affiliate/internet marketer
Read more...
For those who do not know what a phishing scam let me enlighten you. And for those who have heard about a phishing scam, let me refresh your memory. A phishing scam is the attempt by an individual to gather personal and/or financial information from you through an e-mail, phone call or letter.
Now, what are some of the ways the phishing scams been morphed into?
E-mail phishing
The individual (scammer) will send an official looking e-mail pretending to have come from Paypal, credit union, bank, or even a retail establishment with the hope of gaining personal information. (Note: for those looking for jobs you have to be careful about solicitations from scammers enticing you to try for a position -and all you have to do is provide them
with some additional information.)
Vishing
Vishing is the use of your telephone. The victim will get an e-mail or voice mail message asking them to make a phone call. The victim will make the call which will trigger a voice response system asking the user for their card number or other personal or financial information.
Smishing
Smishing is a mobile phone scam. The mobile phone user will receive a text message with the purpose of getting the user to click on a link.
Phishing-through the mail
The phishing through the snail mail- (surprising as it may seem-since it does cost money to send a letter) is where the scammer sends an individual a letter requesting that they respond to the letter by calling a specific phone number- for their own protection. My advice, if it is an institution that you do business with-contact them to verify-before you decide to give that "specific phone number" a call.
How to protect yourself
1. Do not click on the link they provide.
2. If you want to check the link. Open up a session of the Internet and put in your stored link - NOT THE LINK provided within the email. And verify the information.
3. Contact the company that you are doing business with to make them aware of what is going on - and/or to verify that the email or letter was truly sent by the company. If it was not, then this warning will allow them to notify other people that they do business with, with what is happening.
4. If you do any business online - use security software
5. Make sure the website shows SSI security- (https//)
6. Make sure your browser is up-to-date and all security patches are current.
To conclude: use caution when giving out your personal information-online or offline.
About the Author:
Vickie J Scanlon Visit her site at: http://www.myaffiliateplace.biz for tools, security utilities, articles on affiliate/internet marketing business, ebooks, how to info, tech and tech accessories for the affiliate/internet marketer
Read more...
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Nigerian Online Advertising Scam
Nigerian Online Advertising Scam
A new scam is hitting the online community. It looks like a new take on the Nigerian Email Scam is being resurrected with a new spin. The scammers are approaching site owners with an offer to buy text or display advertising on their site. This is how the scam goes down.
They will offer to buy text or display advertising on your website or blog. They will send you a (bad) check as payment (unbeknown to you). The check amount, however, will be higher than what was agreed upon. They will then state, "Gee, I'm sorry. I overpaid you. Could you please give me a refund of the overpayment." The site owner, thinking this was a legitimate mistake, pays the over payment to the scammer. The scammer makes the profit and the site owner is out the money.
When you are dealing with someone you do not know, it is wise to do the following:
1. Get background information-where is the business located, is there a contact number, physical address. (Check it out!)
2. Do they have a website or blog
3. How long has the site been on the Internet
4. Wait til the check clears - but since this can take time,
I would request that they pay through paypal and not by check. This alone, may help kill the deal.
The amount they offer is usually a huge amount. What other kind would catch your attention, right? Never throw caution to the wind. Be aware-and if it seems to good to be true-it probably is!
Read more...
A new scam is hitting the online community. It looks like a new take on the Nigerian Email Scam is being resurrected with a new spin. The scammers are approaching site owners with an offer to buy text or display advertising on their site. This is how the scam goes down.
They will offer to buy text or display advertising on your website or blog. They will send you a (bad) check as payment (unbeknown to you). The check amount, however, will be higher than what was agreed upon. They will then state, "Gee, I'm sorry. I overpaid you. Could you please give me a refund of the overpayment." The site owner, thinking this was a legitimate mistake, pays the over payment to the scammer. The scammer makes the profit and the site owner is out the money.
When you are dealing with someone you do not know, it is wise to do the following:
1. Get background information-where is the business located, is there a contact number, physical address. (Check it out!)
2. Do they have a website or blog
3. How long has the site been on the Internet
4. Wait til the check clears - but since this can take time,
I would request that they pay through paypal and not by check. This alone, may help kill the deal.
The amount they offer is usually a huge amount. What other kind would catch your attention, right? Never throw caution to the wind. Be aware-and if it seems to good to be true-it probably is!
Read more...
Thursday, May 17, 2007
2007 Ebay Scams
It's always nice to be aware of the current scams on Ebay, if you are a seller or a buyer. As you know, people are becoming more creative in their attempts to illegally part you from your money. And since a large percentage of the scams do occur in the Ebay arena, it is always good to have a heads up as to what is going on and be proactive in protecting yourself and your Ebay business. My article "Ebay Scams-What's New?" is a quick read -- but will give you an idea of what to look out for if you're an Ebay enthusiast or an Ebay seller.
Ebay Scams-What's New?
By Vickie J. Scanlon
Ebay scams abound, on both the buyer and the seller side. Granted, Ebay is a great way to sell or buy products online, however, do not participate with your eyes closed. Always be aware of what is going on within the auction world and protect yourself -- whether you are a seller or a buyer. Here is a sample of some of the current 2007 Ebay scams going around.
Buyer Side Scams
Western Union Scam -- The scammer states that they can only accept
payment via Western Union. The buyer find the product the seller is advertising to be so enticing and below cost, that the buyer can not resist. So, he/she will agree to send money thru Western Union to purchase the product. What happens- 1) they may never receive the product from the seller. 2) The seller will send a product not of the quality advertised.
Rule of thumb: Never,ever send money to a complete stranger via Western Union.
Fraudulent listings-auctions-- fraudulent auctions contains links that direct buyers to spoofed sites that attempt to phish their Ebay credentials.
The Fake Escrow Account - The scammer utilizes an email to purport the scam. When a buyer states an interest in buying,they receive an email from the seller(scammer) that states to please send their payment via a wire transfer through an "Ebay trader". This is where the scam gets interesting: the "Ebay trader" notation is the scammer's attempt to fool the buyer into thinking that this is truly a secure escrow account, when in fact it is not. Where does the money go? The money is deposited directly into the seller's overseas account.
If you are wanting to buy:
1) Ask questions of the seller about the item
2) Verify seller's contact information-before you submit money to seller
3)Make sure your method of payment offers protection. Paypal is the safest way on Ebay,
4)If seller accepts only cash or cash wire transfers -- do not bid on listing
5)Be cautious when consider escrow accounts
6) If you received an email that says it was sent by Ebay-verify. You can verify that the email is real by forwarding the email to spoof@ebay . They will respond in 24 hours to tell you if it is real or fake.
When the Seller Is Scammed
The seller can also be scammed. So, for the newbie wanting to try their hand at Ebay selling, make sure you do a little research, and have things set up to protect yourself and your business. Here are a sample of some of the scams sellers can encounter.
1) Fake credit card, check or money order
2) Utilizing the chargeback feature - the buyer, using their credit card, will purchase the item. So far, so good. However, once the product has been received by the buyer, they will issue a chargeback. The scammer is banking on the fact that you do not have enough proof that you sent the product -- giving them an out and the product. But where will that leave you, the seller? In most cases, You will not get the product you sent to the buyer(1 loss); and the 2nd loss, you will be responsible for the chargeback charges.
Rule of thumb -- make sure you keep accurate records and that you work with a delivery service that includes tracking numbers to verify the product was sent.
3) Stolen credit card - The scammer buys with a stolen credit card. The scammer gets the product, but then the owner of the stolen credit card calls the credit card company stating that their credit card has been stolen. The credit card company, in turn, orders a chargeback. Again, the seller is responsible for the chargeback charges.
4) Ebay Account hijackers -- is where a scammer hijacks the account of a legitimate seller with a good feedback record. This is bad for the legitimate seller and the buyer. Both lose.
To conclude, if you are wanting to try your hand on Ebay, whether you are a seller or a buyer, do not go blindly into it. Get the facts, know the red flags, and thus, when you should back away from a deal.
About Author:
Vickie J Scanlon -- Visit her site at: My Affiliate Place for tools, , how to info of affiliate marketing, Report Scams, tech accessories, security software, and computers for the online business.
Read more...
Ebay Scams-What's New?
By Vickie J. Scanlon
Ebay scams abound, on both the buyer and the seller side. Granted, Ebay is a great way to sell or buy products online, however, do not participate with your eyes closed. Always be aware of what is going on within the auction world and protect yourself -- whether you are a seller or a buyer. Here is a sample of some of the current 2007 Ebay scams going around.
Buyer Side Scams
Western Union Scam -- The scammer states that they can only accept
payment via Western Union. The buyer find the product the seller is advertising to be so enticing and below cost, that the buyer can not resist. So, he/she will agree to send money thru Western Union to purchase the product. What happens- 1) they may never receive the product from the seller. 2) The seller will send a product not of the quality advertised.
Rule of thumb: Never,ever send money to a complete stranger via Western Union.
Fraudulent listings-auctions-- fraudulent auctions contains links that direct buyers to spoofed sites that attempt to phish their Ebay credentials.
The Fake Escrow Account - The scammer utilizes an email to purport the scam. When a buyer states an interest in buying,they receive an email from the seller(scammer) that states to please send their payment via a wire transfer through an "Ebay trader". This is where the scam gets interesting: the "Ebay trader" notation is the scammer's attempt to fool the buyer into thinking that this is truly a secure escrow account, when in fact it is not. Where does the money go? The money is deposited directly into the seller's overseas account.
If you are wanting to buy:
1) Ask questions of the seller about the item
2) Verify seller's contact information-before you submit money to seller
3)Make sure your method of payment offers protection. Paypal is the safest way on Ebay,
4)If seller accepts only cash or cash wire transfers -- do not bid on listing
5)Be cautious when consider escrow accounts
6) If you received an email that says it was sent by Ebay-verify. You can verify that the email is real by forwarding the email to spoof@ebay . They will respond in 24 hours to tell you if it is real or fake.
When the Seller Is Scammed
The seller can also be scammed. So, for the newbie wanting to try their hand at Ebay selling, make sure you do a little research, and have things set up to protect yourself and your business. Here are a sample of some of the scams sellers can encounter.
1) Fake credit card, check or money order
2) Utilizing the chargeback feature - the buyer, using their credit card, will purchase the item. So far, so good. However, once the product has been received by the buyer, they will issue a chargeback. The scammer is banking on the fact that you do not have enough proof that you sent the product -- giving them an out and the product. But where will that leave you, the seller? In most cases, You will not get the product you sent to the buyer(1 loss); and the 2nd loss, you will be responsible for the chargeback charges.
Rule of thumb -- make sure you keep accurate records and that you work with a delivery service that includes tracking numbers to verify the product was sent.
3) Stolen credit card - The scammer buys with a stolen credit card. The scammer gets the product, but then the owner of the stolen credit card calls the credit card company stating that their credit card has been stolen. The credit card company, in turn, orders a chargeback. Again, the seller is responsible for the chargeback charges.
4) Ebay Account hijackers -- is where a scammer hijacks the account of a legitimate seller with a good feedback record. This is bad for the legitimate seller and the buyer. Both lose.
To conclude, if you are wanting to try your hand on Ebay, whether you are a seller or a buyer, do not go blindly into it. Get the facts, know the red flags, and thus, when you should back away from a deal.
About Author:
Vickie J Scanlon -- Visit her site at: My Affiliate Place for tools, , how to info of affiliate marketing, Report Scams, tech accessories, security software, and computers for the online business.
Read more...
Friday, April 27, 2007
Phishing-Pharming Scams-The Facts
Phishing and Pharming. Everyone is somewhat familiar with phishing, but pharming -- maybe you need a little information. Anyway, that is what I thought for myself. We are need to be ever vigiliant in both areas online and offline.
Online -- If you are on the Internet a major part of the time, then you are aware that you need to protect yourself online. Those new to the Internet realm, may not be so aware-especially if their experience has been within a corporate setting.
Offline - maybe people are not as informed - but aware. Even though I did not elaborate in my article about how pharmers/phisher obtain your info and identity, let me enlighten you. Offline, it is wise to use a micro shredder to shred your important information that has your name, address, account information before throwing it out to the dumpsters. Unscrupulous individuals can pick through your trash looking for bank statements, credit card states, financial records, etc-purpose to sell or to steal your identity. And if you watched CNN lately, you would have seen an individual who is still trying to clean up her identify after seven years-after someone stole her identity.
Just to add, it's wise to get yourself a shredder-and preferably a micro shredder. Straight cut and cross-cut shredders can still be put back together.
So hopefully, this article will enlighten you to what phishing and pharming is, and how you can try to protect yourself online. One final thought, phishing and pharming protection has to be a collaborative effort between consumer and business -- working together we can be better informed and protected.
Phishing-Pharming Scams-The Facts?
By Vickie J. Scanlon
With the Internet becoming more of an intregal part of many people's busy lives, it is becoming more important to be aware of how you can and should protect yourself. Two different scams to acquaint yourself too is the pharming and phishing scams. They have been around for awhile, but both are becoming more prominent as times goes by. So it is wise to learn what you can about them, as well as, take appropriate action when needed.
Phishing Scams
Phishing Scams are scams in which you asked within an email to click on the provided link so that you can verify the information that they feel may have been compromised. It could be your online banking, paypal, investments accounts, etc. with the purpose of capturing your account number or password.
How do you protect yourself from Phishing Scams
With a Phishing Scam you have to always be on your toes. For example, if you receive an email requesting that you log-in to your PayPal account because they feel that it may have been compromised. They will supply you with a link to click on to get you to the site. The site may look authentic, but it is not. Some precautions can be taken. Such as:
1. Do not click on the link they provide.
2. Open up a session of the Internet and put in your stored link -NOT THE LINK provided within the email. And verify the information.
3. Contact the company that you are doing business with to make them aware of what is going on - this will allow them to notify other people that they do business with, with what is happening.
Pharming Scams
Pharming Scams is like phishing with a slight twist to the whole game. With the pharming scam, you are redirected from your legitimate site to that of the fake site.
How do they get in? They do it in several ways:
1) through an email virus- in which they install a small programs that will direct the user to the fake site. Once the small program is in place, they will use a Keylogger virus. The keylogger virus tracks the users passwords that they (the user) key in with.
2) The other methods involves the pharmer interfering with your DNS. When you type a Web site's name into your browser, your server will read the name, look up its numeric address and take you to the site. This is where the Pharmers interfere with that process. They change the real site's numeric address to the fake site's numeric address. The Pharmers can interfere with your DNS only when you use the "http" and not the "https" for your contacting url.
How to Protect Yourself
If you are on the internet often or do any financial transactions online, it is wise to incorporate as much security as possible. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Use adware/spyware software daily
2. Use anti-virus software
3. Use software that identifies the site, determines the length of time they have been online and allows you to look at their site report. Most software options check against an updated database of blacklisted phishing sites and IPs. One example is Netcraft- it's compatible with Firefox or Internet Explorer.
4. Internet security software
5. Use Firefox or Opera for added security
6. Password Management Software -- helps to eliminate keylogging-and encrypts your passwords. Example: Roboform - ten or less it will be free to use. If you have over 10 you will need to pay a one time charge after 30 days.
7. Always use a secure website. SSl encryption with beginnings like: https://
8. Make sure your browser is up-to-date and have all necessary up-to-date security patches.
What are Businesses Doing To Protect You?
Yes, businesses are concerned with your security. Why? They are on the losing end as well-through lose money and business. So what are some companies doing to protect you.
1. Some business only allow so many attempts into your site in a day. Then you have to wait for the next day to do business.
2. They monitor your IP address for safety.
3. Eliminate all pop-ups during sign-up and sign-in.
4. Some eliminated emailing together.
5. Server side software to protect their customers and employees who use internal or private web-based systems
What to Do If You Are A Victim of Phishing or Pharming
If you feel you are a victim of phishing or pharming don't ignore it, or think nothing will happen. Be pro-active and set things in motion to protect yourself. Such as:
1) Notify the company immediately. They will tell you how to proceed. And be prepared to create a new user-id and password.
2) Depending on the severity of the breach-Report an Initial Security Alert to one of the three consumer agencies listed below:
a) Equifax-www.equifax.com
b) Experian-www.experian.com
c) TransUnion - www.transunion.com
Upon contacting one of the agencies, they will notify the other two. The Initial Security Alert puts an alert on your credit file, as well as, alert creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. This is protecting your identity.
To conclude, if you work on the Internet or utilize the Internet a lot on a daily basis, do not ignore your security. Swallow hard, get the software you need to protect yourself, your family and online business. And as always, be ever vigilant.
Vickie J Scanlon -- Visit her site at: My Affiliate Place for tools, how to info of affiliate and internet marketing, Report Your Scams, tech accessories, security software and computers for the online business.
Read more...
Online -- If you are on the Internet a major part of the time, then you are aware that you need to protect yourself online. Those new to the Internet realm, may not be so aware-especially if their experience has been within a corporate setting.
Offline - maybe people are not as informed - but aware. Even though I did not elaborate in my article about how pharmers/phisher obtain your info and identity, let me enlighten you. Offline, it is wise to use a micro shredder to shred your important information that has your name, address, account information before throwing it out to the dumpsters. Unscrupulous individuals can pick through your trash looking for bank statements, credit card states, financial records, etc-purpose to sell or to steal your identity. And if you watched CNN lately, you would have seen an individual who is still trying to clean up her identify after seven years-after someone stole her identity.
Just to add, it's wise to get yourself a shredder-and preferably a micro shredder. Straight cut and cross-cut shredders can still be put back together.
So hopefully, this article will enlighten you to what phishing and pharming is, and how you can try to protect yourself online. One final thought, phishing and pharming protection has to be a collaborative effort between consumer and business -- working together we can be better informed and protected.
Phishing-Pharming Scams-The Facts?
By Vickie J. Scanlon
With the Internet becoming more of an intregal part of many people's busy lives, it is becoming more important to be aware of how you can and should protect yourself. Two different scams to acquaint yourself too is the pharming and phishing scams. They have been around for awhile, but both are becoming more prominent as times goes by. So it is wise to learn what you can about them, as well as, take appropriate action when needed.
Phishing Scams
Phishing Scams are scams in which you asked within an email to click on the provided link so that you can verify the information that they feel may have been compromised. It could be your online banking, paypal, investments accounts, etc. with the purpose of capturing your account number or password.
How do you protect yourself from Phishing Scams
With a Phishing Scam you have to always be on your toes. For example, if you receive an email requesting that you log-in to your PayPal account because they feel that it may have been compromised. They will supply you with a link to click on to get you to the site. The site may look authentic, but it is not. Some precautions can be taken. Such as:
1. Do not click on the link they provide.
2. Open up a session of the Internet and put in your stored link -NOT THE LINK provided within the email. And verify the information.
3. Contact the company that you are doing business with to make them aware of what is going on - this will allow them to notify other people that they do business with, with what is happening.
Pharming Scams
Pharming Scams is like phishing with a slight twist to the whole game. With the pharming scam, you are redirected from your legitimate site to that of the fake site.
How do they get in? They do it in several ways:
1) through an email virus- in which they install a small programs that will direct the user to the fake site. Once the small program is in place, they will use a Keylogger virus. The keylogger virus tracks the users passwords that they (the user) key in with.
2) The other methods involves the pharmer interfering with your DNS. When you type a Web site's name into your browser, your server will read the name, look up its numeric address and take you to the site. This is where the Pharmers interfere with that process. They change the real site's numeric address to the fake site's numeric address. The Pharmers can interfere with your DNS only when you use the "http" and not the "https" for your contacting url.
How to Protect Yourself
If you are on the internet often or do any financial transactions online, it is wise to incorporate as much security as possible. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Use adware/spyware software daily
2. Use anti-virus software
3. Use software that identifies the site, determines the length of time they have been online and allows you to look at their site report. Most software options check against an updated database of blacklisted phishing sites and IPs. One example is Netcraft- it's compatible with Firefox or Internet Explorer.
4. Internet security software
5. Use Firefox or Opera for added security
6. Password Management Software -- helps to eliminate keylogging-and encrypts your passwords. Example: Roboform - ten or less it will be free to use. If you have over 10 you will need to pay a one time charge after 30 days.
7. Always use a secure website. SSl encryption with beginnings like: https://
8. Make sure your browser is up-to-date and have all necessary up-to-date security patches.
What are Businesses Doing To Protect You?
Yes, businesses are concerned with your security. Why? They are on the losing end as well-through lose money and business. So what are some companies doing to protect you.
1. Some business only allow so many attempts into your site in a day. Then you have to wait for the next day to do business.
2. They monitor your IP address for safety.
3. Eliminate all pop-ups during sign-up and sign-in.
4. Some eliminated emailing together.
5. Server side software to protect their customers and employees who use internal or private web-based systems
What to Do If You Are A Victim of Phishing or Pharming
If you feel you are a victim of phishing or pharming don't ignore it, or think nothing will happen. Be pro-active and set things in motion to protect yourself. Such as:
1) Notify the company immediately. They will tell you how to proceed. And be prepared to create a new user-id and password.
2) Depending on the severity of the breach-Report an Initial Security Alert to one of the three consumer agencies listed below:
a) Equifax-www.equifax.com
b) Experian-www.experian.com
c) TransUnion - www.transunion.com
Upon contacting one of the agencies, they will notify the other two. The Initial Security Alert puts an alert on your credit file, as well as, alert creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. This is protecting your identity.
To conclude, if you work on the Internet or utilize the Internet a lot on a daily basis, do not ignore your security. Swallow hard, get the software you need to protect yourself, your family and online business. And as always, be ever vigilant.
Vickie J Scanlon -- Visit her site at: My Affiliate Place for tools, how to info of affiliate and internet marketing, Report Your Scams, tech accessories, security software and computers for the online business.
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