26-Feb-2007

Tips For Protecting Yourself

• Use unique passwords
• Never use the same passwords if possible
• Keep record of all your passwords and account information
• Change passwords regularly
• Keep your antivirus software up-to-date

#1 Rule is to NEVER give any personal information to emails you receive, especially if they don't identify a sender. (Note:  Hotmail will let you know that the sender ID is unknown.)

Spammers  wanting to access your accounts may send you an email resembling an account you may have with someone such as; Pay pal, EBay, Your Bank or Hotmail.  A common way to get access to your information is the perpetrator will send you an email message stating that you have to update your user information or your account may be suspended.  The sender will conveniently add logo's resembling, for example, Pay pal and will even put a link telling you where to click to update your information.

Internet security is important on the internet so it is unlikely that Pay pal or anyone would email you and ask you to type in personal information such as your Account Name and Passwords.  If you are unsure about any emails you receive call your ISP (or bank or other organization being spoofed) at a telephone number you obtain from your billing statement or through an email address the legitimate company provides. NEVER reply and NEVER use the link provided to you in the suspicious email.

Types Of Fraudulent Emails

Spam I Spoof

Email Spam

Email Spam targets individuals through email.  Most spam is commercial advertising such as; get rich quick schemes, free products that in the end you have to pay for, or they may us it to try to get your user lists to send them spam as well.  Click Here For More Information on spam.

E-mail Spoofing

E-mail spoofing is a technique used for spam e-mail and Phishing to hide the origin of an email message causing it to appear as though it has come from another source.  An example may be:  you receive an email from Hotmail notifying you to update your account info or your account may be suspended.  The sender would then create a link where you would go to fill out your user name and password, and then poof, the sender has gained themselves access to your hotmail account.  Always remember that hotmail, your bank, eBay, pay pal etc. would never send you emails like this and always verify that this action is necessary before giving out any information.  Click Here For Ways to protect yourself.  More information on Spoof E-mails.

Useful Links

EBay

Pay pal

Hotmail

Report Email Fraud
Report fraud and get more information.