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Email Scams to Watch Out For
 
As the internet has grown, con artists have become more adept in tricking targets into falling for their email scams.  The following are three of the largest identified scams.

Best Buy Scam

PayPal Scam

Nigerian Scam
Other companies like Cti, Bank of America, and AOL have also suffered from similar variations of scammers pretending to represent their companies.
 
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from such scams:
~   Remember reputable companies will not ask you to divulge your password.
~   Be safe, always type the URL of the company rather than clicking on the link within the email.
~   Be skeptical and use common sense, if something feels unsafe or questionable then it probably is a scam.
If you want more information on email scams to watch out for we recommend visiting the Federal Trade Commission or ScamBusters.

Best Buy 'Fraud Alert' Scam
You receive an email with the alarming subject line "Best Buy Order #XXXXXXX.  Fraud Alert."

The email appears to be an official Best Buy communication, containing appropriate logos and colors. The message informs you that someone has apparently made an online order with your credit card that appears to be unauthorized.  There is a request, with a time limit, that urges you to visit the "Fraud Investigation" department on the Best Buy Website where the transaction can be confirmed or declined.

To make it look more official, details of the supposed transaction are provided, along with an official-looking visible URL: http://www.BestBuy.com/fraud_department.html.

This is a new twist on the identity theft scam.  The link although visibly showing BestBuy.com, actually goes to a ghost or hidden hyperlink that leads the target to the scammers website.  There, confidential information including credit card details are harvested.

The scam is effective because for two reasons.  First, the site visited often looks official.  Second, the scammers are counting on their targets to be so worried about the safety of their credit cards that they panic.

The best way to avoid this particular scam is simply not to click on the link provided in the email.  If you, for peace of mind, want to confirm the legitimacy of the email then we recommend that you manually type the main URL of the company (in this example: http://www.bestbuy.com).  Once their you can visit their Customer Service department online or use their toll free number to find out more information.

PayPal Account Scam
The following is an example of a commonly used ploy against PayPal members:

Dear PayPal  Member,

We at PayPal regret to inform you that we are having problems with the billing information of your account.  In order to resolve this issue please visit our website PayPal Account Center in order to ensure the proper information is being used.  It is urgent that you take care of this issue properly in order to maintain your standing as a PayPal member.  Unfortunately, to insure the integrity of our online clients, if you do not respond to this email within 72 hours we will be forced to terminate your account.

Thank you for your cooperation,

PayPal Accounts Management

As outlined in our User Agreement, PayPal will periodically send you information about site changes and enhancements.  Visit our Privacy Policy and User Agreement if you have any questions.

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This scam is effective because usually the scammers have done their research and the person receiving the email really does have a PayPal (or Ebay or AOL, etc.) account.  Second, the scammers are counting on the target to panic and click the link, thus the inclusion of a time limit for response.

If you receive an email like this, do not click on the link supplied in the email.  Instead go directly to PayPal's site by typing in the URL (http://www.paypal.com) and contact the customer service department from there.  Never follow the instructions contained in this type of email.

Nigerian Confidence Scam
 
The Nigerian Confidence Scam is probably one of the most successful internet scams to date.  It involves the receipt of an unsolicited letter purporting to come from someone who claims to work for the Nigerian Central Bank or from the Nigerian government.

The target is informed that the "official" is seeking a reputable foreign company into whose account he can deposit funds ranging from $10 to $60 million which the Nigerian government overpaid on some procurement contract.  Often the target is deluded into thinking that he or she has been singled out to participate in a very lucrative arrangement and that they are the only ones who can help.  If the target needs reassurance they are often supplied with forged or false documents including letterhead, seals, letters of credit, and bank drafts.

Once the target goes for the bait, things begin to go wrong with the transaction.  The target is informed that the success of the whole venture they have been working towards can only be achieved if money can be advanced to save it.  Each advance paid is described as the very last hurtle blocking the success of the venture.  The scheme may be stretched out over many months.

This scam works because it plays on establishing a personal tie with the target.  Not only is the target doing a good deed or service for someone else, but they are making a profit as well.  What could be better?  A variation of this scam has emerged as of late targeting eBay users.  Users are contacted by false foreign companies who claim they need the users assistance to sell their goods on eBay.

 
Back to Computer Tips
 
Flagstaff Central is not liable for any damages or repairs due to our tech tip.  Things do happen whenever you work on a computer.  We recommend you be as careful as possible.  If you prefer to not handle repairs or clean up, we recommend you contact a professional.  Click here for a list of local computer repair companies.