Beware of Internet Scams

US WARNS OF QUAKE-RELATED INTERNET SCAM

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US computer security authorities warned on Friday that online scammers may seek to exploit the earthquake in Japan.

The US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) told computer users to be wary of "potential email scams, fake antivirus and phishing attacks regarding the Japan earthquake and the tsunami disasters."

"Email scams may contain links or attachments which may direct users to phishing or malware-laden websites," US-CERT said in a statement.

"Fake antivirus attacks may come in the form of pop-ups which flash security warnings and ask the user for credit card information," it said.

"Phishing emails and websites requesting donations for bogus charitable organizations commonly appear after these types of natural disasters," US-CERT added.

Phishing refers to attempts to steal user names, passwords and other personal information from unsuspecting victims, mostly through email or instant messages.

The massive, 8.9-magnitude quake left hundreds dead in Japan and unleashed a tsunami in the Pacific.

Reader Feedback

  • dmels28 Aug 1, 2011 @ 1:33 pm | delete
    Trying using this Validate My Mate the next time you feel someone's trying to take advantage of you through online scamming. I've used them multiple times and have nothing but good things to say about their service.
  • dominiongroup Aug 1, 2011 @ 1:41 pm | delete
    Thank you Dmels28 for your recommendation

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Online Dating Tips

Any form of dating requires some degree of risk and online dating is no exception. Many criminal types chose the Internet to prey on unsuspecting daters and hide behind the anonymity that the online environment can afford. You may be dealing with someone who has given you a fake name, false age, stolen photo and a host of other untrue information. Let ValidateMyMate.com help you discover the truth. The rise in violent, financial and identity crimes means you must be careful exposing yourself to avoid becoming a victim.
In spite of the risks, dating online is still one of the most popular ways to meet people with interests similar to your own that you would not otherwise come into contact with. Studies show that increasing numbers of lasting relationships start online and that these couples are confiding they have met their soul mate online. So if you are hoping to find your Mr. Right or Ms. Right online, here are some tips to help you avoid becoming victimized by a predator or scammer:

Tip #1 - Share Informations Sparingly
Do you know the true intentions of the person inquiring about you online? Often it can be quite the rush to engage in meeting someone new of the opposite sex online. Especially if they appear to be everything you are looking for in a mate. But ask yourself why they need to know your personal address or work schedule? Someone communicating with you online does not need to know vital information such as your home and work address. Consider it a warning when someone persists with finding out information you are not willing to share. As a safety measure, you may want to offer your match your information in a professional report from ValidateMyMate.com in exchange for the same from the person you are dealing with online.

Tip #2 - Keep Your Financials to Yourself
Banks are sending out disclaimers. Retailers want you to be clear on their position on the matter. The bottom line is that your financial information should only be shared online in confidence with the entities that will protect that information. Under no circumstances should you provide credit card, bank account or other financial information to someone who is interested in dating you. This includes get-rich-quick schemes, fake contests and lotteries as well as false financial crisis emails. If you believe you have a genuine financial opportunity being extended to you, let ValidateMyMate.com give you the information you need to decide before releasing your valuable financial information.

Tip #3 - Sounds Too Good To Be True...No, REALLY!
You can turn on the save feature within your personal instant messenger and email accounts which will allow for you to store your communication between you and your online connections directly on your hard drive. Go back and compare the information from one conversation to the next and look for inconsistencies or irregularities. More often than not, someone who is attempting to scam you or turn you into their prey will say something that tips you off. Go slow at first and ask the same questions more than once. Then order a Basic Report from ValidateMyMate.com and discover where the real truth lies.

Tip #4 - Make the First Date Publicly Visible
Even when your online acquaintance has passed the test online, there are some simple steps you should take to further protect yourself for meeting in person. First, agree to meet in a public place that you are familiar with. Second, let someone know where you are going, who you are meeting and establish a check system for contacting you or vice versa after the date is over to ensure you returned home safely. Third, take a friend if possible and introduce them. It doesn't have to be a date for three but let your online mate meet face-to-face with someone else as a safety precaution. This may sound overly cautious but someone who is similar to you will understand and perhaps even have some of the same ideas.

Final Note - Dating should be fun but when you have predators and scammers involved, it can become very dangerous. When you want to enjoy the feeling of spending an evening with someone you've met online that you believe is an ideal mate, let ValidateMyMate.com check their background and put the truth at your fingertips before you agree to meet in person. Worrying about fresh breath, perfect makeup, hair in place and nice cologne is natural. Wondering if your online date is a real life predator should not be.

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dominiongroup

Dominion Group Inc. is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business based on Long Island. Our mission is to provide our clients with the highest quality... more »

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