Email Scams, Phishing, and Fraud
From Mary Landesman, your guide to Antivirus Software, tips to help avoid email scams and phishing. Familiarize yourself with the techniques used in these email scams to avoid becoming a victim of credit card or identity theft.
Scammers Target Unemployed
If you're out of work, an unsolicited job offer or promise of easy money might seem like a dream come true. But beware - con artists specifically prey on folks down on their luck. Following are three of the most common scams targeting the unemployed.
If you're out of work, an unsolicited job offer or promise of easy money might seem like a dream come true. But beware - con artists specifically prey on folks down on their luck. Following are three of the most common scams targeting the unemployed.
Targeted Attacks
Corporate executives - particularly in sensitive sectors such as energy, weapons research, and finance - are increasingly being victimized by sophisticated and highly targeted attacks. In many cases, the victim is enticed via email into opening a malicious email attachment or visiting a nefarious website. But these email messages aren't the badly written, easy to spot scams most of us are familiar with.
Corporate executives - particularly in sensitive sectors such as energy, weapons research, and finance - are increasingly being victimized by sophisticated and highly targeted attacks. In many cases, the victim is enticed via email into opening a malicious email attachment or visiting a nefarious website. But these email messages aren't the badly written, easy to spot scams most of us are familiar with.
Almost Scammed: International Lottery 'Winner' Speaks Out
I was sent a letter in the mail and the address on the envelope was Crystal Trade Inc. 2555 Kenndy N Sherbrooke QC J1E 2G8. When I opened it, it said it was from Crystal Trade Financial Group of Publishers Sweepstakes 4555 Spruce Ave. Abbotsford B C. V3t 2W4. It went on to say that This was my final notification and I was a winner in an International promotions/prize sweepstakes lottery.
I was sent a letter in the mail and the address on the envelope was Crystal Trade Inc. 2555 Kenndy N Sherbrooke QC J1E 2G8. When I opened it, it said it was from Crystal Trade Financial Group of Publishers Sweepstakes 4555 Spruce Ave. Abbotsford B C. V3t 2W4. It went on to say that This was my final notification and I was a winner in an International promotions/prize sweepstakes lottery.
Credit Card Fraud Causes Angst for Romanian Gamers
Romanian gamers are petitioning the EU to either receive the services advertised with the X-Box, Wii, and Nintendo consoles, or to have the European Union punish the console vendors for false advertising.
Romanian gamers are petitioning the EU to either receive the services advertised with the X-Box, Wii, and Nintendo consoles, or to have the European Union punish the console vendors for false advertising.
Fraudulent Link Scams
Scams, in general, are the new malware delivery method. Social engineering is the norm. Falsifying a link is the hallmark of phishing scams, seeded downloader Trojans, and other web-based malware.
Scams, in general, are the new malware delivery method. Social engineering is the norm. Falsifying a link is the hallmark of phishing scams, seeded downloader Trojans, and other web-based malware.
Top Online Email and Internet Scams
The Internet makes it easier to accomplish many things - banking, research, travel, and shopping are all at our virtual fingertips. And just as the Internet makes it easier for legitmate pursuits, it also makes it easier for scammers, con artists, and other online miscreants to carry out their virtual crimes - impacting our real life finances, security, and peace of mind. These Internet scams are constantly evolving - here are the most common today.
The Internet makes it easier to accomplish many things - banking, research, travel, and shopping are all at our virtual fingertips. And just as the Internet makes it easier for legitmate pursuits, it also makes it easier for scammers, con artists, and other online miscreants to carry out their virtual crimes - impacting our real life finances, security, and peace of mind. These Internet scams are constantly evolving - here are the most common today.
eBay Phishes: a Red-Herring for eBay Hijackings?
So-called phishing email may be a red-herring, diverting attention from the very real problem of legitimate, non-phished eBay hijackings.
So-called phishing email may be a red-herring, diverting attention from the very real problem of legitimate, non-phished eBay hijackings.
Killer Spam : Hitman Email Threatens Recipients
The hitman email claims to be from a paid assassin - and recipients are threatened to either pay up or die.
The hitman email claims to be from a paid assassin - and recipients are threatened to either pay up or die.
Hitman Email Threatens to Kill Recipients
A scam/hoax first reported in December 2006. The 'hitman' email attempts to frighten victims into paying large sums of money to the email sender, who poses as an assassin.
A scam/hoax first reported in December 2006. The 'hitman' email attempts to frighten victims into paying large sums of money to the email sender, who poses as an assassin.
Lottery Scam Meets AOL/Microsoft Hoax
What do you get when you cross the old-time AOL/Microsoft email tracking hoax with a modern day email lottery scam? Something just like this.
What do you get when you cross the old-time AOL/Microsoft email tracking hoax with a modern day email lottery scam? Something just like this.
How to Report a Phishing Scam
If you've received a phishing email, haven't fallen victim, but want to report the email, here's how.
If you've received a phishing email, haven't fallen victim, but want to report the email, here's how.
How to Ferret Out a Phish
PayPal and eBay users are constantly besieged by phishing scam email that attempt to pilfer valuable credit card details from the unsuspecting recipients. Here's how to ferret these fakes.
PayPal and eBay users are constantly besieged by phishing scam email that attempt to pilfer valuable credit card details from the unsuspecting recipients. Here's how to ferret these fakes.
How to Stop Phishing Scams
Think phishing scams can't be stopped? I say, think again. Just as any legitimate commerce follows the rules of supply and demand, so do illegal means. If the demand is removed (users refuse to be tricked), the supply (phishing email) will dwindle as well. Do your part to contribute to the demise of phishing: check out How to Stop Phishing Scams.
Think phishing scams can't be stopped? I say, think again. Just as any legitimate commerce follows the rules of supply and demand, so do illegal means. If the demand is removed (users refuse to be tricked), the supply (phishing email) will dwindle as well. Do your part to contribute to the demise of phishing: check out How to Stop Phishing Scams.
Chase Online $20 Reward Survey
Beginning early in 2006, online fraudsters mass-emailed scams targeting Chase Manhattan and JP Morgan customers. The scams frequently purport to be a "$20 Reward Survey".
Beginning early in 2006, online fraudsters mass-emailed scams targeting Chase Manhattan and JP Morgan customers. The scams frequently purport to be a "$20 Reward Survey".
Amazon Phishing Scam
Phishing scams are disguised as correspondence from valid financial or eCommerce providers. The email typically uses fear tactics in an effort to entice the intended victim into visiting a fraudulent website. Here's an example of a phishing scam targeting Amazon.com customers.
Phishing scams are disguised as correspondence from valid financial or eCommerce providers. The email typically uses fear tactics in an effort to entice the intended victim into visiting a fraudulent website. Here's an example of a phishing scam targeting Amazon.com customers.
IRS Tax Refund Phishing Scam
A security flaw on a US government website has been exploited by a phishing scam claiming to be an IRS refund notification. The phishing email claims the recipient is eligible for a tax refund of $571.94.
A security flaw on a US government website has been exploited by a phishing scam claiming to be an IRS refund notification. The phishing email claims the recipient is eligible for a tax refund of $571.94.
MMORPG Trojans Abound
Trojans used to create botnets have long been implicated in spam and credit card fraud rings. But online games, particulary MMORPGs (Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Games), are also a frequent target.
Trojans used to create botnets have long been implicated in spam and credit card fraud rings. But online games, particulary MMORPGs (Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Games), are also a frequent target.
Nigerian 419 Advanced Fee Fraud
Generally, the Nigerian 419 scammer claims to be the relative of some high-profile deceased/arrested political figure. The scam claims this relative has horded millions of dollars in cash and are now seeking someone to help transfer the money in exchange for a hefty percentage of the profits.
Generally, the Nigerian 419 scammer claims to be the relative of some high-profile deceased/arrested political figure. The scam claims this relative has horded millions of dollars in cash and are now seeking someone to help transfer the money in exchange for a hefty percentage of the profits.
Digital Age Credit Card Fraud
Numerous reports of credit card fraud have been pouring into DSLReports and other forums. The vast majority of complaints involve a fraudulent charge of $24.99 posted to the credit card as DIGITAL AGE 888-529-98 CYPRUS.
Numerous reports of credit card fraud have been pouring into DSLReports and other forums. The vast majority of complaints involve a fraudulent charge of $24.99 posted to the credit card as DIGITAL AGE 888-529-98 CYPRUS.
Hurricane Katrina and Rita Fraud
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, unscrupulous Netizens began scooping up website domain names that include the words Katrina or Rita.
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, unscrupulous Netizens began scooping up website domain names that include the words Katrina or Rita.
Phishing scams
Look over the following examples of phishing scams to familiarize yourself with the clever techniques used.
Look over the following examples of phishing scams to familiarize yourself with the clever techniques used.
How to spot a phish
The security experts at AVIRA step through a phishing scam, explaining what tipped them off and what steps they took to investigate it.
The security experts at AVIRA step through a phishing scam, explaining what tipped them off and what steps they took to investigate it.
Spammer vs. Microsoft
A spammer takes on Microsoft by launching a spam rampage. And he's using zombie PCs to do it. But is it revenge or is it really fear?
A spammer takes on Microsoft by launching a spam rampage. And he's using zombie PCs to do it. But is it revenge or is it really fear?
Virus writers/hoaxsters exploit Tsunami
Worms and hoaxes quick to exploit the Tsunami and other disasters
Worms and hoaxes quick to exploit the Tsunami and other disasters
Scam emails deliver Trojaned goods
Criminal emailers are increasingly exploiting MS04-013, an MHTML URL Processing vulnerability which allows a remote attacker to download and execute arbitrary code via miscreant websites or email.
Criminal emailers are increasingly exploiting MS04-013, an MHTML URL Processing vulnerability which allows a remote attacker to download and execute arbitrary code via miscreant websites or email.
Volksbank phishing email
Sorin Mustaca, Chief Software Architect for AVIRA GmbH, captures a phishing scam targeting Volksbank customers in Germany. He's got pictures of the email and of the falsified websites to provide examples, as well as mail headers, dns info, and html source for the more technically savvy.
Sorin Mustaca, Chief Software Architect for AVIRA GmbH, captures a phishing scam targeting Volksbank customers in Germany. He's got pictures of the email and of the falsified websites to provide examples, as well as mail headers, dns info, and html source for the more technically savvy.
Email banking scams
Emails falsely claiming to be from the likes of Citibank, NatWest, and other reputable banking entities attempt to entice recipients into divulging their ATM/Debit card and PIN numbers. A recent rash of these fraudulent emails have been discovered worldwide. The email employs a new twist designed to fool even the skeptical.
Emails falsely claiming to be from the likes of Citibank, NatWest, and other reputable banking entities attempt to entice recipients into divulging their ATM/Debit card and PIN numbers. A recent rash of these fraudulent emails have been discovered worldwide. The email employs a new twist designed to fool even the skeptical.
Lottery winner scams
The Lottery Winner scams attempt to trick recipients into believing they have won large sums of cash, and then bilks them out of their own dough in a similar fashion to the Nigerian 419 scam.
The Lottery Winner scams attempt to trick recipients into believing they have won large sums of cash, and then bilks them out of their own dough in a similar fashion to the Nigerian 419 scam.
Email credit card scams
We have just charged your credit card for money laundry service in amount of $234.65... Yeah. Right. Sadly, though, the scam continues to thrive so somebody must be responding. But it's not just credit cards these thieves are after. Discover the hidden agenda behind this scam and avoid becoming a victim.
We have just charged your credit card for money laundry service in amount of $234.65... Yeah. Right. Sadly, though, the scam continues to thrive so somebody must be responding. But it's not just credit cards these thieves are after. Discover the hidden agenda behind this scam and avoid becoming a victim.
eBay update scam resurfaces
An email pretending to be from support@ebay.com is designed to dupe members into revealing personal financial details
An email pretending to be from support@ebay.com is designed to dupe members into revealing personal financial details
Link flaw a serious exploit for scammers
A vulnerability in the way web addresses are interpreted by some browsers makes financial email scams, known as phishing, even easier. The vulnerability causes a spoofed URL (web address) to appear in the browser's address bar, making it appear as if visitors are on one site, when in fact they are on another.
A vulnerability in the way web addresses are interpreted by some browsers makes financial email scams, known as phishing, even easier. The vulnerability causes a spoofed URL (web address) to appear in the browser's address bar, making it appear as if visitors are on one site, when in fact they are on another.
FDIC emails scams by fear
Imagine getting an email from the FDIC that not only claimed your bank account was in jeopardy, but warned that you were under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security and various state and local law enforcement agencies. Sound scary?
Imagine getting an email from the FDIC that not only claimed your bank account was in jeopardy, but warned that you were under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security and various state and local law enforcement agencies. Sound scary?
Citibank victim of flaw
Citibank customers were among the first targeted by miscreants exploiting a flaw in the way some browsers interpret web addresses. The flaw allows a different web address to appear in the browser than is actually being displayed.
Citibank customers were among the first targeted by miscreants exploiting a flaw in the way some browsers interpret web addresses. The flaw allows a different web address to appear in the browser than is actually being displayed.
Webber Trojan Targets Wells Fargo, Citibank Customers
A Trojan disguising itself as correspondence from reputable banking entities Wells Fargo, Citibank, and E-Loan has been compromising infected systems and downloading other infected executables.
A Trojan disguising itself as correspondence from reputable banking entities Wells Fargo, Citibank, and E-Loan has been compromising infected systems and downloading other infected executables.
'Slave Reparations' Scams Target Black Seniors
Old scams targeting elderly black people keep resurfacing, exploiting false rumors that African Americans are due tax refunds based on a decades-old "Slave Reparations Act" and raising fears among authorities that con artists are bilking victims of money and personal information.
Old scams targeting elderly black people keep resurfacing, exploiting false rumors that African Americans are due tax refunds based on a decades-old "Slave Reparations Act" and raising fears among authorities that con artists are bilking victims of money and personal information.
Best Buy 'Fraud Alert' Email Scam
An email claiming to be a 'Fraud Alert' from Best Buy is actually a scam designed to trick people into divulging their personal information to identity thieves via bogus websites.
An email claiming to be a 'Fraud Alert' from Best Buy is actually a scam designed to trick people into divulging their personal information to identity thieves via bogus websites.