Published: May 09, 2011
After Osama bin Ladens Death a flurry of internet scams hit the internet. Most notably scam emails with links to pictures, videos and phony Facebook messages with links to videos that don’t exist.
When clicking these links your PC can be infected with a RAT which is a remote access Trojan and all your information may end up in the hands of a criminal.
Bottom Line: Be wary of any unsolicited messages that claim to have news on bin Laden, and never click on links or attachments included in these messages.
Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim:
1) Never download or click anything from an unknown source. If you really think your friend is sending you a video clip, double-check with the friend to be sure before you click on the link.
2) Before clicking on any links related to the news, check to see that the address is going to a well-established site.
Every day, we learn about new identity theft scams. And since you visit this site, odds are you protected yourself. Taking on the task of convincing your friends and family about the serious nature identity theft really may prove a little trickier. Fortunately, here are some easy steps to take and help protect them as well.
1. Warn them of the possibility that identity thieves pretend to be them
Sometimes with small children, we suggest code words — a secret phrase an adult can use to tell a child that yes, your parents really did send me to pick you up after school. A similar safeguard is useful in email. Tell friends and family members that if you ever email them with a request for information or money, you include a codeword known only to you. Make it something unlikely to come up in the course of a scammer’s email.
2.
No one wants to think of a tragedy like the Haiti earthquake in conjunction with charity scams, but unfortunately there are a lot of people out there willing to make a buck any way they can. A charity scam provides the perfect opportunity to rip people off. Many individuals who are very wary when it comes to ‘get rich quick’ schemes are more than willing to open their wallets without question to help other people.
Recognizing charity scams
Obviously, charity scams takes advantage of your willingness to help others. But beware: just about anyone can solicit money to help the Haiti earthquake, or Russian orphans, or Middle Eastern war victims. And while it might feel selfish to hold back, you want to be sure that you’re helping the people who really need help — not a bunch of identity thieves.
How can you recognize a charity scam? There are a couple of dead giveaways:
1.