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Entry bubble Scareware Scams

By: Colleen | December 17, 2008 | Category: Money

online scamIf you're anything like me, you've been doing your best to avoid any retail places during the holiday season. I'd love to shake the hand of whoever invented online shopping!

As always though, "buyer beware!" Scams and frauds are all over the internet, particularly during the "most wonderful time of the year."

The latest one preys on people actually trying to protect their computers. This "scareware" scheme comes in the form of a pop-up that appears on your screen while you have a web browser open. It might say something like, "Beware! Your computer has been infected!" Or, "Malicious software has been detected!" When you click on the pop-up, you will get an offer to buy software like "Winfixer" or "ErrorSafe" that claims to protect your computer from viruses. These different softwares will cost you around $30-40 and are totally bogus. They will tell you your problems have been fixed, when in reality, there was nothing to fix in the first place. But your wallet will be a tad lighter.

Over a million people have been duped by this type of fraud. The FTC has pushed for a court order to be signed to try and halt the broad-reaching scheme.

To best protect your computer:

  • Make sure you have legitimate anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software.
  • If you get one of these pop-ups claiming you have a virus, close the whole browser. Do not click the link, or even the "x" box at the top.
  • Use the control/alt/delete function if your browser won't respond to your exit.

If you've been scammed by "spyware" you can report it at www.ftc.gov, or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. For information on dealing with other types of scams and frauds, check out the Pueblo scam site.

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: colleen   fraud   internet   online   scam   scareware  

 

Entry bubble Avoid Natural Disaster Charity Scams!

By: Jake | September 08, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

After a natural disaster, it's not uncommon to receive e-mails or phone calls soliciting donations for disaster relief. Unfortunately, these e-mails and phone calls could be scams that could leave you needing financial relief. Hurricane Photo

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Computer Emergency Readiness Team warns everyone to be wary of phishing scams during hurricane season. They warn that many scam e-mails link to legitimate-looking websites that ask for personal financial information. Once you submit your financial information you put yourself at risk for all kinds of problems, like identity theft.

U.S. CERT lists a number of ways you can avoid these phishing scams any time of year:

  • Do not follow unsolicited web links received in e-mail message
  • Verify the legitimacy of the e-mail by contacting the organization directly through a trusted contact number. Trusted contact information can be found on the Better Business Bureau National Charity Report Index
  • If you encounter fraud, you can report it to the Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or e-mail it to disaster-AT-leo-DOT-gov

If you want to donate money for natural disaster recovery efforts, you should check out USAFreedomCorps.gov, a federal web site with a list of approved non-profit organizations active in recovery efforts. If you have an itching to get involved, you can also find volunteer opportunities there.

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: charity   contributions   fraud   jake   scams  

 

Entry bubble Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams

By: Nicole | August 15, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

Mortgage PaymentsA few weeks ago, I wrote a post about avoiding mortgage foreclosure. I know that topic resonated with a lot of folks. In addition to other worries, homeowners must now be more guarded than ever against foreclosure rescue scams. The fear of losing their homes can make even the savviest consumers susceptible.

The Federal Trade Commission and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency both provide general descriptions of the most common foreclosure rescue scams:

  • Lease-back or repurchase scams happen when someone offers to pay your mortgage and rent your home back to you. This scheme often involves signing over your deed to a con artist.
  • Refinance Fraud occurs when people pose as mortgage brokers and offer to refinance your loan so you can afford the payments. Con artists may trick you into signing over the ownership of your home by saying that you are signing documents for a new loan.
  • Bankruptcy Schemes attempt to abuse the bankruptcy laws. The con artist may even file a bankruptcy case in your name, without your knowledge.

Here are some general tips to help you avoid these scams:

  • Read and understand everything you sign.
  • Don’t sign blank or partially completed documents.
  • Make payments directly to your lender or mortgage provider.
  • Contact your lender directly to discuss payments and options.
  • Never sign over the deed to your house without consulting a lawyer.
  • Report suspicious activity to the FTC or your state consumer protection office.

For more information about housing, visit the USA.gov Homes and Housing Page. Do you have any other tips for avoiding foreclosure scams?

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: bank   foreclosure   fraud   home   housing   lending   loan   money   mortgage   nicole   scams  

 

Entry bubble I got phished!

By: Sommer | October 19, 2007 | Category: General

It finally happened to me, I got "phished" or "vished" -- whichever you prefer. I never thought it would happen to me since I've been giving the public information about protecting themselves from phishing and ID theft for years. It sure is different to be the one faced with fending off the crook, though.

So, here's my story: 

A couple weeks ago I was driving home from our office picnic when my personal cell phone rang. I usually don't answer if it's an unknown number, but for some reason I fishing polepicked up anyway. A woman with a syrupy southern accent started the conversation by saying she was from the State Department, she then told me I was using a cell phone number the government was paying for and nicely asked me to provide all the information about myself I possibly could that might help her "resolve this issue."

My first instinct was to help the woman out.  My heart had started beating like crazy as I wondered what I had fouled up this time.  I just wanted this situation resolved ASAP.  I mean, who wants the State Department on their case?  Then, my red flags started going up.  Why would the State Department call me directly instead of calling the cell phone company to ask about the bill? And, if  the State Department really wanted information about me, couldn't they get it another way, like send me a certified letter on government stationary? Besides, I pay the bill for that phone number every month, how could they be paying it, too? Whew, I finally had my wits about me and I hadn't given up any of my personally identifiable information (she already had my name and cell number).

With that brief moment of panic behind me, I kindly and firmly replied that unless she could prove what she was saying I had every reason to believe she was just trying to steal my identity, and, NO, I would not be sharing any personal information to help her out.  Then the threats started -- "I'm going to have the State Department's head of security call you" "and my director, too."  My favorites were "you're stealing from the government and committing a crime" and "we're going to have your cell phone turned off." I told her to feel free to have them contact me since I wouldn't be sharing any information with the head of security or her director either unless they could prove what was going on.  Exasperated, I excused myself from the conversation and hung up.

What did I learn from all this?

  1. It's harder to resist the phisher than I thought, and it's also scary to consider "what if they're telling the truth"?  I still wonder about this one, but, I haven't gotten a call from the State Department's head of security and no one has shown up at my door yet.  I'm comfortable this one was a hoax.
  2. Phishers don't just email, they can also call.  It's harder to fend off a caller than just deleting an email.  When in doubt just hang up.
  3. Be tough and if what the caller says sounds fishy or just doesn't make sense, it probably isn't legitimate. DO NOT answer any questions -- even if the caller threatens you!!
  4. Don't be afraid to ask for proof of the caller's identity.  If the caller's claim is legitimate they won't hesitate to prove themselves to you.
  5. Report email phishing to the US-CERT.  Report phone phishing to the National Fraud Information Center.
Thank goodness I didn't fall for it! 

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: email   fraud   idtheft   phishing   phone   sommer   telemarketing   vishing  

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