Unfortunately, if you are active on the Internet, you are a potential target for online fraud. Be cautious with any online activity that requires sharing personal information or downloading software that you don’t recognize.
According to the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance (NCFTA) , the "Top 5 SPAM Scams on the Internet" are:
"Phishing"– Phishing attacks use spoofed emails and fake web sites to fool the recipients into revealing personal information or a virus or other "parasite" on their computer . These messages typically use trusted brands, even their Internet Service Provider’s name to make them appear legitimate.
"Pharming" – Pharming is the process of redirecting of an individuals web request to another site. The site that it is directed may look legitimate but in fact is designed to appear that way in order to capture personal information. This scam particularly attacks online banking applications.
Google Hacking – NFCTA has identified a site advertising several hundred instances of scammers using the Google search engine to retrieve sensitive information from individuals. Using an explicit search command, it is possible for scammers to find business resumes that individuals have posted on the web. These documents often contain information such as name, address and even social security numbers which make them susceptible to identity theft.
FBI Virus/SPAM Hoax – The FBI has become aware of SPAM email fraudulently claiming to be from fbi.gov. The email message appears legitimate and informs the recipient that their computer has accessed illegal web sites and asks them to answer questions online. When the attachment is opened, a "worm" is downloaded to your computer.
Nigerian Scams – There are several variations of this scam that, at it’s core, either informs the recipient that they may be due a large sum of money or asks for assistance with some form of illegal money laundering. The recipient is then asked to provide money as a “processing fee” or personal information to facilitate the transaction.
There are certainly new approaches that are introduced daily. Your Efanz SPAM protection catches most of the known scam emails and they are blocked from reaching you. However, always proceed with caution with any communication that requires downloading software or providing personal information over the Internet.
Here are some general guidelines to help prevent against being affected by an online scam.
Don’t click on links within unsolicited email messages. If it refers to a site you wish to visit, open your browser and type in the address yourself.
If you receive an email that suggests you have an account that will be shut down unless you reconfirm billing information, contact that company using a telephone or web address that you know real.
Use an alternate browser such as Firefox or Opera as they are not typically as susceptible to online scams.
Review your credit card and bank statements as soon as they arrive to check for unauthorized use.
Forward any suspicious emals to the Federal Trade Commission at uce@ftc.gov.
