Monday, 30 November 2009

• The 12 Cyberscams of Christmas

  
  

  
  Redhairedgrrl@xanga sent us a list of the twelve online scams of Christmas, as outlined by McAfee, the makers of the popular anti-virus software. Here is the list:
  
  1. Charity Scams
  
  Scammers often exploit the generosity of others by distributing emails promoting fake charities. If you donate, you run the risk of losing your money, credit card info, and even your identity.
  
  2. Invoice Scams
  
  Now more than ever you're likely to receive fraudulent invoices or delivery notices via email, which claim to be from FedEx, UPS, or U.S. Customs. These emails will instruct you to create an online invoice before you can receive your package, which gives the scammers access to your credit card info and may even allow them to install malware on your hard drive.
  
  3. Social Networking Scams
  
  You might get an email that appears to be a friend request from Twitter, Facebook, or another social networking site, but when you click on the link, it will take you to a different site that installs malware or snatches your personal information. McAfee recommends accepting friend requests directly through your social networking services to avoid this scam.
  
  4. E-Cards Scams
  
  Never open an e-card from someone you don't know. The link could send you to a page that might give your computer a virus, or it might just be a retailer promotion and not actually from a friend.
  
  5. Jewelry Scams
  
  There's a new holiday-themed campaign that directs consumers to sites that purport to sell cheap luxury jewelry from Cartier and other brands, but these services take your money without ever delivering your purchases.
  
  6. Hot-spot Scams
  
  Beware of shopping and bargain hunting on a wireless network that is not secure, like a café. Hackers might be able to monitor your activity and access your credit info and passwords.
  
  7. Download Scams
  
  Websites promising seemingly innocent downloads, like holiday wallpaper or lyrics to Christmas music, might actually install spyware, adware, or other types of malware onto your computer.
  
  8. Job Scams
  
  Scammers are taking advantage of the country's mounting unemployment by promoting high-salaried jobs or work-from-home employment online. Typically, these sites require you to pay a fee, and then you never hear from them again.
  
  9. Auction Scams
  
  If you see a deal that seems too good to be true, McAfee says, it probably is. Many of the unbelievable deals you can find on auction sites will take bidders' money and never arrive.
  
  10. Password Scams
  
  Scammers use keyloggers—malware that monitors your keystrokes as you type—to gain access to your passwords. This allows them to empty your bank account, or even access your email account to find additional victims.
  
  11. Bank Scams
  
  Some cybercriminals send out professional-looking emails asking you to confirm your username and password at a popular bank, otherwise your account with be closed. Instead, scammers take the information for themselves, or sell it to black-market buyers.
  
  12. File Scams
  
  Hackers able to access your computer files often make copies for themselves and then encrypt the originals. McAfee says the scammers effectively "hold your files ransom," requiring payment if you want your documents returned.
  
  Have you ever been a victim of cybercrime? Were you able to recover the stolen money?
  
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