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Online Scams and How To Avoid Them
Information from Readers Digest(c) and edited by Cecile Bendavid.
Your Computer is Infected! (And we can help)
How it works: A window pops up about a legitimate-sounding antivirus software program like "Antivirus XP 2010" or "SecurityTool," alerting you that your machine has been infected with a dangerous bug. You're prompted to click on a link that will run a scan. Of course, the virus is found-and for a fee, typically about $50, the company promises to clean up your computer. This same scam is done via a telephone call - they ask you to check for a virus and of course it finds something that looks strange to you.
What's really going on: When you click on the link, the bogus company installs malware-malicious software-on your computer. No surprise, there will be no cleanup. But the thieves have your credit card number, you're out the money, and your computer is left on life support.
Avoidance maneuver: If you get a pop-up virus warning, close the window without clicking on any links. Then run a full system scan using legitimate, updated antivirus software like free editions of AVG Anti-Virus or ThreatFire AntiVirus.
Phony message about your account
How it works: You get a text message on your cell phone from your bank or credit card issuer: There's been a problem, and you need to call right away with some account information. Or the message says you've won a gift certificate to a chain store-just call the toll-free number to get yours now.
What's really going on: The "bank" is a scammer hoping you'll reveal your account information. The gift certificate is equally bogus; when you call the number, you'll be told you need to subscribe to magazines or pay shipping fees to collect your prize. If you agree, you will have surrendered your credit card information to "black hat" marketers who will ring up phony charges.
The big picture: Welcome to "smishing," which stands for "SMS phishing," the new, text-message version of the lucrative e-mail scam. In this ploy, scammers take advantage of the smart-phone revolution-hoping that a text message to your cell will make it less likely you'll investigate the source, as you might do while sitting at your desk.
The world of charity scams
How it works: You get an e-mail with an image of a malnourished orphan-from Haiti or another developing nation. "Please give what you can today," goes the charity's plea, followed by a request for cash. To speed relief efforts, the e-mail recommends you send a Western Union wire transfer as well as detailed personal information-your address and your Social Security and checking account numbers.
What's really going on: The charity
is a scam designed to harvest your cash and banking information. Nothing goes to helping disaster victims.
The big picture: The Internet, e-mail, and text messaging have given new life to age-old charity scams.
Avoidance maneuver: Donate to real charities on their own websites. Find the sites yourself instead of clicking on links in e-mail solicitations; in the wake of the Haiti earthquake, scammers even set up fake Red Cross sites that looked real. Genuine aid organizations will accept donations by credit card or check; they won't ask for wire transfers, bank account information, or Social Security numbers. Donations via text message are okay as long as you confirm the number with the organization.
Love for sale
How it works: You meet someone on a dating site, on Facebook, in a chat room, or while playing a virtual game. You exchange pictures, talk on the phone. It soon becomes obvious that you were meant for each other. But the love of your life lives in a foreign country and needs money to get away from a cruel father or to get medical care or to buy a plane ticket so you can finally be together.
What's really going on: Your new love is a scam artist. There will be no tearful hug at the airport, no happily-ever-after. You will lose your money and possibly your faith in mankind.
The big picture: Online social networking has opened up bold new avenues for heartless scammers who specialize in luring lonely people into bogus friendships and love affairs, only to steal their money.
Avoidance maneuver: "On the Internet, it is almost impossible to be too paranoid" ."But don't be paralyzed; be smart." Dating and social-networking sites can be a great way to meet new friends, even from foreign countries. But if someone you know only from the Web asks for money, sign off quickly.
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