The Do's and Don't's - Preventing Identity Theft Financial Ruin - Try It Free!

From the Desk of: Terry Clark

Dear Computer Owner,

Once again these hackers are out to destroy our computers systems, they seem to be mad at the whole world and want you to their pain. The software is called "Personal Antivirus" be very careful if you happen to see it pop-up on your computer screen, and to make matters worst identity thieves are using it to gain access to all your sensitive information (passwords, credit cards, address, name and bank, etc).

What is this software and what could happen to my system?

Personal Antivirus is a rogue anti-spyware (Trojan.win32.Agent.azsy) created by a company named Innovagest 2000 and is a clone of General Antivirus and Internet Antivirus Pro. This program is advertised through the use of Trojans that display fake security alerts on your computer.

These alerts will contain messages stating that your computer is under attack or that malware has been detected running on your computer. When you click on these alerts, Personal Antivirus will be installed on your computer and automatically be configured to run when you start Windows.

When running, it will scan your computer and display a variety of infections that cannot be removed unless you first purchase the program. In reality, though, these infections are all fake and are only be shown to scare you into purchasing the program.

While the program is running you will also see the following crazy things start to happen:

1. A Window impersonating Windows Security Center stating that you should purchase Personal Antivirus.

2. Numerous alerts stating that your computer is under attack or that you have malware running on your computer. If you click on these alerts, Personal Antivirus will be installed, or you will be brought to the purchase page for the program.

3. Your Internet Explorer browser will be hijacked to show security warnings when browsing the web that stop you from reaching your desired page.
All of these alerts and tactics are being used for one thing; to convince you that you have a problem in the hopes that you purchase Personal Antivirus.

This software is highly dangerous, (Trojan.win32.Agent.azsy) it breaks through your firewalls and anti-virus software. I couldn't believe what happen to me, I couldn't delete it nor remove it from my computer and I have a very good defense system... so I thought!

I caught pure "HELL" trying to remove this Personal Antivirus Software, only to find out later that you can't. At least not alone, so I contacted some of my friends to see if they had come incontact with this virus... and guess what? they did.

The only way to get rid of the Personal Antivirus software is to use - Spyware Doctor!

Note: The "Spyware Doctor" is free to download, but when it's completed you have to pay $29.99 to remove this program Personal Antivirus and any related malware.
I didn't care what it cost, my identity and computer cost more then that! And yes, I did buy it!

P.S. I won't make one red cent for passing this information onto you, it's much to important for that! Below this letter you'll see a big photo of what the "Personal Antivirus" software looks like and the link to the Spyware Doctor website to remove it.

P.S.S. Please don't don't brush this off as trying to get you to buy something, this threat is real and very dangerous trojan software...I can't stress it enough!

Here's the Link: Spyware Doctor

Good Luck!

Sincerely,
Terry Clark

It's the biggest fear faced by every computer owner. Some hacker, or even worse, a trusted friend or co-worker that has access to your computer starts checking every move you've made online. This can be done very easily-someone doesn't even have to possess much in the way of technical expertise. At best, they could discover information about you that you would rather not have made public. At worst, they could make your life a living hell by stealing your identity or emptying your bank account. With the free Privacy Evidence Eraser software program, you can guard against having your life ruined by an Internet hacker.

You might be under the impression that all you have to do to be safe online is to save any sensitive information to a disk and delete the file from your hard drive. Unfortunately, this doesn't completely remove the file from your computer. All it takes is someone with a basic file restoration program to go in and recapture everything you thought you had erased forever. With the Privacy Evidence Eraser, it is like the file never even existed. Now, there is no need to ever worry about your privacy being invaded.

The Privacy Evidence Eraser will support virtually any Internet browser, whether you prefer Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, Firefox, AOL or MSN Explorer. It's simple to use-you don't have to be a computer geek to install it on your PC. And you can rest assured that it will work, because it meets the same strict standards that need to be met by none other than the U.S. Department of Defense as far as disk sanitization, and you know what type of sensitive information that flows through its computer system on a daily basis.

In addition to identity theft, the Privacy Evidence Eraser also protects you from online phishing scams and spam, as well as spyware, adware and other computer viruses. If you use your computer or laptop for any kind of online business venture, you know that a slow computer can cost you precious time, which will end up costing you money. And just imagine what would happen if somebody hacked in and stole private customer information. It's good to know that you can now be fully protected against certain disaster.

To learn more about how the Privacy Evidence Eraser can give you free peace of mind when it comes to your computer files, visit website - Enter Here

Anyone who has ever been a victim of identity theft can tell you what a nightmare it can be. Your credit rating can go down the tubes in no time, and your sensitive financial information will fall into the hands of criminals who will have a field day by performing all kinds of unscrupulous acts, including emptying your bank accounts. If you don't take any measures to protect yourself against these thieves, it could take years for you to recover and to restore your good name. With an identity theft "Privacy Crisis" prevention guide, you can learn all the necessary steps you need to take to prevent a disaster from happening.

With approximately 10 million Americans becoming victims of identity theft in the last year alone, resulting in losses of about $5 billion, this is a problem that is not going away anytime soon. In fact, as the Internet continues to expand, the problem is sure to continue to get worse. An identity theft "Privacy Crisis" prevention guide will show you ways to safeguard your credit card information, your banking information, your social security number, and other personal information. It will also show you what to do in the event that you discover that your identity has been stolen.

For example, if your credit cards are lost or stolen, it is imperative that you call the issuer immediately and have them canceled. It is much easier to replace the cards than to repair the damage cause by criminals who get their hands on them. When it comes to your trash, to prevent "dumpster divers" from getting hold of sensitive information, a 7-sheet crosscut paper shredder will eliminate the problem. Also, your identity theft "Privacy Crisis" prevention guide will show you how to limit the possible dangers involved from receiving unsolicited junk mail.

And since much identity theft occurs online, there are extra precautions you need to take to protect yourself on the Internet. Your identity theft "Privacy Crisis" prevention guide will explain the advantages of anti-theft and anti-spyware software, and how you can shop online safely. It will also explain how to deal with spam email. And you will learn how to order your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus for free, so you can monitor your credit history and spot suspicious activity before it turns into a big problem. With the right information, you can greatly reduce the risk of having your identity stolen.

Don't Take Any Chances with Your Identity, Get the Privacy Crisis Guide now - Enter Here

Date Posted: 05/29/2009 - CIRCULATION OF FRAUDULENT E-MAIL CLAIMING TO BE FROM U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION - CBP

A spam e-mail claiming to be from former CBP Assistant Commissioner Thomas S. Winkowski is currently being circulated. This attempt to defraud is the typical e-mail scam using the name and reputation of a federal government official to create an air of authenticity. The spam e-mail indicates the CBP has stopped a Diplomat who is carrying a consignment to be delivered to the recipient's residence. This consignment allegedly contains millions of dollars, which is revealed to be an inheritance for the e-mail recipient.

As with many other scams, this e-mail advises the recipient they will be permitted to access this inheritance once the recipient has given the sender of the e-mail their personal information.

This e-mail is a hoax. Do not respond or open unsolicited e-mails

The U.S. CBP does not send unsolicited e-mails. Consumers should not respond to unsolicited e-mails or click on any embedded links, as they may contain viruses or malware. It is imperative consumers guard their most sensitive personal information.

Examples of a person's sensitive information include, but are not limited to: date of birth; social security number; and bank account numbers. Providing your information will compromise your identity.

Date Posted: 05/30/2009 - FAKE MILITARY TWIST ON VEHICLE SALE SCAMS

Victims find attractively priced vehicles advertised at different Internet classified ad sites. Most of the scams include some type of third-party vehicle protection program to ensure a safe transaction. After receiving convincing e-mails from the phony vehicle protection program, the victims are directed to send either the full payment, or a percentage of the payment, to the third-party agent via a wire payment service. No vehicles are delivered to the victims.

In a new twist, scammers are posing as members of the United States military. The fictitious military personnel in the scam have either been sent to a foreign country to improve military relations, or they need to sell a vehicle quickly and cheaply because of their upcoming deployment to either Iraq or Afghanistan.

Consumers are advised to do as much due diligence as possible before engaging in transactions to purchase vehicles advertised online. Consumers are also cautioned to be aware of the rules of or warnings posted by the Internet sites they visit. If someone is asking you as a consumer to break or avoid the rules of the website, it is possible that person is trying to scam you.

Date Posted: 06/01/2009 - WORK-AT-HOME SCAMS

Consumers need to be vigilant when seeking employment online. Numerous complaints have been filed from individuals who have fallen victim to work-at-home scams.

Victims are often hired to "process payments," "transfer funds," or "reship products." These job scams involve the victims receiving and cashing fraudulent checks, transferring illegally obtained funds for the criminals, or receiving stolen merchandise and shipping it to the criminals.

Other victims sign up to be a "mystery shopper," receiving fraudulent checks with instructions to cash the checks and wire the funds to "test" a company's services. Victims are told they will be compensated with a portion of the merchandise or funds.

Work-at-home schemes attract otherwise innocent individuals, causing them to become part of criminal schemes without realizing they are engaging in illegal behavior.

Job scams often provide criminals the opportunity to commit identity theft when victims provide their personal information, sometimes even bank account information, to their potential "employer." The criminal/employer can then use the victim's information to open credit cards, post on-line auctions, register websites, etc., in the victim's name to commit additional crimes. Be very careful!

Date Posted 07/13/2009 - HIT MAN E-MAIL SCAM RETURNS

Thousands of reports concerning the hit man e-mail scheme keep coming in, the e-mail content has evolved since late 2006 however, the messages remain similar in nature, claiming the sender has been hired to kill the recipient. Two new versions of the scheme began appearing in July 2008 - One instructed the recipient to contact a telephone number contained in the e-mail and the other claimed the recipient or a "loved one" was going to be kidnapped unless a ransom was paid. Recipients of the kidnapping threat were told to respond via e-mail within 48 hours. The sender was to provide the location of the wire transfer five minutes before the deadline and was threatened with bodily harm if the ransom was not received within 30 minutes of the time frame given. The recipients' personally identifiable information was included in the e-mail to promote the appearance that the sender actually knew the recipient and their location.

Perpetrators of Internet crimes often use fictitious names, addresses, telephone numbers, and threats or warnings regarding the failure to comply to further their schemes.

In some instances, the use of names, titles, addresses, and telephone numbers of government officials and business executives, and/or the victims' personally identifiable information are used in an attempt to make the fraud appear more authentic.

Consumers always need to be alert to unsolicited e-mails. Do not open unsolicited e-mails or click on any embedded links, as they may contain viruses or malware. Providing your personally identifiable information will compromise your identity!

Individuals who receive e-mails containing threats of violence and their personally identifiable information are encouraged to contact law enforcement as well as file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

1. If you encounter an unsolicited e-mail that asks you, either directly, or through a web site, for personal financial or identity information, such as Social Security number, passwords, or other identifiers, exercise extreme caution.

2. If you need to update your information online, use the normal process you've used before, or open a new browser window and type in the website address of the legitimate company's account maintenance page.

3. If a website address is unfamiliar, it's probably not real. Only use the address that you have used before, or start at your normal homepage.

4. Always report fraudulent or suspicious e-mail to your ISP. Reporting instances of spoof web sites will help get these bogus web sites shut down before they can do any more harm.

5. Most companies require you to log in to a secure site. Look for the lock at the bottom of your browser and "https" in front of the website address.

6.Take note of the header address on the web site. Most legitimate sites will have a relatively short internet address that usually depicts the business name followed by ".com," or possibly ".org." Spoof sites are more likely to have an excessively long strong of characters in the header, with the legitimate business name somewhere in the string, or possibly not at all.

7. If you have any doubts about an e-mail or website, contact the legitimate company directly. Make a copy of the questionable web site's URL address, send it to the legitimate business and ask if the request is legitimate.

8. If you've been victimized by a spoofed e-mail or web site, you should contact your local police or sheriff's department, and file a complaint report.

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

Never, never purchase anything on an Internet auction without using a reliable escrow company. Would you give a large amount of cash to a stranger who came to your door selling a product that he promised to bring by within a few days? of course not!

Would you give a stranger a valuable item at your garage sale on the promise that a check would be brought to you the next day? I know your smarter than that! and why would you mail a perfect strangers money and products to locations that often turn out to be private post offices and expect the person to honor your agreement? Times have changed. It is the rare person whose word is his bond. Protect yourself by using a third party escrow company to buy or sell anything on the Internet. If you have been scammed already, report the theft to the authorities below.

If you received a counterfeit money order or check to pay for an item you were selling, go to the nearest police station and report it. If you deposited a counterfeit check into your bank account, you will be liable for any money you withdrew against the check. In some cases, victims have even been charged criminally.

Protect All of Your Sensitive Information About You On Your Computer. Someone could gain access to your ( bank accounts, credit cards, name, SSN ) without you even knowing it.

A Few Tips to Follow:

1. Understand as much as possible about how the auction works, what your obligations are as a buyer, and what the seller's obligations are before you bid.

2. Find out what actions the web site/company takes if a problem occurs and consider insuring the transaction and shipment.

3. Learn as much as possible about the seller, especially if the only information you have is an e-mail address. If it is a business, check the Better Business Bureau where the seller/business is located.

4. Examine the feedback on the seller.

5. Determine what method of payment the seller is asking from the buyer and where he/she is asking to send payment.

6. If a problem occurs with the auction transaction, it could be much more difficult if the seller is located outside the US because of the difference in laws.

7. Ask the seller about when delivery can be expected and if there is a problem with the merchandise is it covered by a warranty or can you exchange it.

8. Find out if shipping and delivery are included in the auction price or are additional costs so there are no unexpected costs.

9. There should be no reason to give out your social security number or drivers license number to the seller.

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

1. Don't give out your credit card number(s) online unless the site is a secure and reputable site. Sometimes a tiny icon of a padlock appears to symbolize a higher level of security to transmit data. This icon is not a guarantee of a secure site, but might provide you some assurance.

2. Don't trust a site just because it claims to be secure.

3. Before using the site, check out the security/encryption software it uses.

4. Make sure you are purchasing merchandise from a reputable source.

5. Do your homework on the individual or company to ensure that they are legitimate.

6. Try to obtain a physical address rather than merely a post office box and a phone number, call the seller to see if the number is correct and working.

7. Send them e-mail to see if they have an active e-mail address and be wary of sellers who use free e-mail services where a credit card wasn't required to open the account.

8. Consider not purchasing from sellers who won't provide you with this type of information.

9. Check with the Better Business Bureau from the seller's area.

10. Check out other web sites regarding this person/company.

11. Don't judge a person/company by their web site.

12. Be cautious when responding to special offers (especially through unsolicited e-mail).

13. Be cautious when dealing with individuals/companies from outside your own country.

14. The safest way to purchase items via the Internet is by credit card because you can often dispute the charges if something is wrong.

15. Make sure the transaction is secure when you electronically send your credit card numbers.

16. You should also keep a list of all your credit cards and account information along with the card issuer's contact information. If anything looks suspicious or you lose your credit card(s) you should contact the card issuer immediately.

The Internet has a world of information, it's convenient and everything is at your disposal, just one click of your mouse and your good to go. But the Internet is also a dangerous place for you too! Identity theft has gotten way out of control, you need a software that will protect all your valuable sensitive information, so you can rest easy.

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

DO:

1. Order a copy of your credit report each year from one of the national credit bureaus and review it closely for any questionable entries.

2. Shred or cut up all credit card receipts and old bank statements and bills before throwing them away.

3. Close all unused credit card or bank accounts.

4. Remove your name from mailing lists for pre-approved credit lines and telemarketers.

5. Keep your PIN number hidden when you use an ATM or public telephone.

6. Contact your creditor or service provider if you notice odd charges or if expected bills don't arrive.

7. Update your computer virus software, use a secure browser, and install a firewall program.

Don't:

1. Give out personal information via the phone, mail, or Internet unless YOU initiated contact.

2. Carry information like your Social Security Number (SSN) or any PIN numbers or passwords in your purse or wallet.

3. Put your SSN on your checks or other identifiers.

If your identity HAS been stolen, I urge you to take immediate action:

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit file by notifying one of the national credit bureaus.

2. Contact all creditors and financial institutions that an identity thief may have used to conduct transactions in your name and close all tampered accounts.

3. Contact your local police department, as well as your local FBI field office, and file a report.

4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (the FBI and other law enforcement agencies use these complaints in their investigations). Online identity thefts may also be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Important Message: BE AWARE and manage your personal information carefully!

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

Below are some key steps to protecting your computer from intrusion:

1. Keep Your Firewall Turned On: A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash it, delete information, or even steal passwords or other sensitive information. Software firewalls are widely recommended for single computers. The software is prepackaged on some operating systems or can be purchased for individual computers. For multiple networked computers, hardware routers typically provide firewall protection.

2. Install or Update Your Antivirus Software: Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer. If it detects malicious code, like a virus or a worm, it works to disarm or remove it. Viruses can infect computers without users' knowledge. Most types of antivirus software can be set up to update automatically.

3. Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology: Spyware is just what it sounds like-software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispyware-in some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It's like buying groceries-shop where you trust.

4. Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection.

5. Be Careful What You Download: Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the most vigilant anti-virus software. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly advanced malicious code.

6. Turn Off Your Computer: With the growth of high-speed Internet connections, many opt to leave their computers on and ready for action. The downside is that being "always on" renders computers more susceptible. Beyond firewall protection, which is designed to fend off unwanted attacks, turning the computer off effectively severs an attacker's connection-be it spyware or a botnet that employs your computer's resources to reach out to other unwitting users.

Something to think about: If you don't lock your car doors, it's vulnerable; if you don't secure your computer, it's vulnerable. - Reduce your vulnerability and you reduce the threat.

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

Customers of a telecommunications firm received an e-mail recently explaining a problem with their latest order. They were asked to go to the company website, via a link in the e-mail, to provide personal information-like their birthdates and Social Security numbers. But both the e-mail and the website were bogus. It's a real-life, classic case of "phishing"-a virtual trap set by cyber thieves that uses official-looking e-mails to lure you to fake websites and trick you into revealing your personal information.

It's also an example of an even more mischievous type of phishing known as "spear phishing"-a rising cyber threat that you need to know about.

Instead of casting out thousands of e-mails randomly hoping a few victims will bite, spear phishers target select groups of people with something in common-they work at the same company, bank at the same financial institution, attend the same college, order merchandise from the same website, etc. The e-mails are cleverly made and sent from organizations or individuals the potential victims would normally get e-mails from, making them even more deceptive.

How spear phishing works. First, criminals need some inside information on their targets to convince them the e-mails are legitimate. They often obtain it by hacking into an organization's computer network (which is what happened in the above case) or sometimes by combing through other websites, blogs, and social networking sites. Then, they send e-mails that look like the real thing to targeted victims, offering all sorts of urgent and legitimate-sounding explanations as to why they need your personal data.

Finally, the victims are asked to click on a link inside the e-mail that takes them to a phony but realistic-looking website, where they are asked to provide passwords, account numbers, user IDs, access codes, PINs, etc.

Criminal gain, your loss. Once criminals have your personal data, they can access your bank account, use your credit cards, and create a whole new identity using your information. Spear phishing can also trick you into downloading malicious codes or malware after you click on a link embedded in the e-mail an especially useful tool in crimes like economic espionage where sensitive internal communications can be accessed and trade secrets stolen. Malware can also hijack your computer, and hijacked computers can be organized into enormous networks called botnets that can be used for denial of service attacks.

How to avoid becoming a spear phishing victim. And what can you do to make sure you don't end up a victim.

1. Keep in mind that most companies, banks, agencies, etc., don't request personal information via e-mail. If in doubt, give them a call (but don't use the phone number contained in the e-mail-that's usually phony as well).

2. Use a phishing filter many of the latest web browsers have them built in or offer them as plug-ins.

3. Never follow a link to a secure site from an e-mail-always enter the URL manually.

4. Don't be fooled (especially today) by the latest scams.

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

There are some very important things that you need to tell your child, and to keep in mind when their on their computer at home or at school.

1. First, remember never to give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission.

2. Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.

3. Do not meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.

4. Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.

5. Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.

Protect your kids and teenagers from identity theft,10 million American teenagers had their identity stolen in 2008, don't let yours be next!

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

Every day, American consumers receive offers that just sound too good to be true. In the past, these offers came through the mail or by telephone. Now the con artists and swindlers have found a new avenue to pitch their frauds - the Internet. The on-line scams know no national borders or boundaries; they respect no investigative jurisdictions. But, as with all scammers, they have one objective - to separate you from your money!

An interesting point about fraud is that it is a crime in which you decide on whether to participate. Hanging up the phone or not responding to shady mailings or emails makes it difficult for the scammer to commit fraud. But con artists are very persuasive, using all types of excuses, explanations, and offers to lead you - and your money - away from common sense.

This website was developed to arm you with information so you don't fall victim to these Internet scam artists. Education, good judgment, and a healthy dose of skepticism are the best defenses against becoming a victim. Remember, If It Sounds to Good to Be True - It Just Might Be!

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

In the market for a new job? The Internet has made it easier than ever to find one. It's also made it easier for criminals to find you. Think about it: what do you do when you apply for a job? You give out all kinds of personal information: your name, address, home and work telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, sometimes even your date of birth and social security number. Just what you'd want to know if you're an identity thief or other criminal.

Online job scams: Here are a few examples of what can happen to you below.

1. You respond to an online job ad. You're contacted via e-mail for a fake interview. Then, you're asked for bank account information in order to "direct deposit" your paychecks. Guess what? It's all re-used for crooks to drain your bank account.

2. You get an e-mail from a recruiter or company that's hiring wanting to know all your personal details for a pre-employment background check. Same drill-that information is used to steal your identity.

3. You post your resume online with your social security number and other personal information. Criminals find it and use the information to get fake credit cards and loans in your name.

4. You respond to an online job ad for a "correspondence manager" or "import/export specialist." You're hired and asked to ship products for your employer overseas. Turns out, it's a reshipping scam. The items you shipped were purchased online using stolen credit cards and you've shipped them illegally to thieves in Nigeria and other countries.

What can you do to avoid being scammed? I recommend you practice safe surfing by taking the following steps:

A. THINK TWICE about telling all on your online resume. Do you really need to provide detailed personal information? Consider posting your resume more anonymously with an e-mail address as your primary contact point.

B. NEVER provide a potential employer with your bank account or credit card information, a scan of your driver's license or other ID, or a detailed physical description of yourself. That's just asking for trouble.

C. NEVER pay upfront for any job opportunity (they're supposed to be paying you!) and never forward, transfer, or wire money to a prospective employer.

D. BE WARY of job listings with misspellings, grammatical mistakes, and terms such as "money transfers," "wiring funds," "package-forwarding," and "import/export specialist." Those are big clues that something is amiss.

And what if-heaven forbid-you do fall for one of these cons? Do damage control immediately: first, close all bank and e-mail accounts linked to the fraud. Then, contact the three major credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on your credit files and to regularly monitor your credit reports for unusual activity.

Note: To protect your computer privacy and identity - Scroll back to the very top by the laptop and click on the link "Evidence Eraser" the Ultimate Privacy Protector - Try It Free!

Here are some hoax e-mails I have had:

SPCA is closing down.

Animal shelter in Roodepoort is closing down.

A missionary or Peace Corpse volunteer in Cameroon has fallen on hard times and needs to find a home for his dog. If you offer to pay shipping costs, or to pay vets bill to get it through the border, you will be scammed because there is no dog!

A dog is missing. Read it carefully. Is the phone number correct, or is there a digit missing? Is it dated? Does it say what town the dog was in?

A child is missing. The child may have been found by the time you get the email, but you'll never know because spammers remove the date, location, ph nos. & anything that can verify the authenticity of the matter.

A child is dying of cancer and if you forward the email, she will get money. Spammers play on the emotions. This may have started off as a genuine plea for help, but it has been manipulated by unfeeling baddies. The child may already have died, but the email still circulates as there is no way of verifying it.

A widow is dying of cancer and wants to leave money to "The Lord's work," or she needs to get it out of an African country. Can she have your bank details? You will end up being robbed!

Some emails say if you forward the email, you will get money, or a free cellphone.

Bad luck will befall you if you do not forward the email within a certain time.

If you send the email back to the person who sent it to you, you will get good luck. Why should you send it back? The sender has already read it. Just delete it instead of letting the spammer gather email addresses.

Many petitions are sent out by folk who are tracking the email and compiling lists of email addresses to sell to online marketers. The subject of the petition may be true, but passing it on is a waste of time and just slows down the internet.

You may have seen the fireworks petition doing the rounds by e-mail in the form of signing your name and every 100th or so person has to forward it to an e-mail address provided. Please know that signing such a petition is of no use and your precious time and interest in trying to support the worthy cause is wasted.

Always remember that the Real petitions have websites. A real petition has a website with current news about the issue in question, and a place to sign the petition on the web. Web petitions overcome all the problems of email petitions: Nobody's email server gets overloaded, the website doesn't die because of a dead email address, signers can get an assurance that the issue is still current or proof that it's expired, the signers' email addresses can be verified which increases credibility, and signers can optionally get a newsletter to keep apprised of the status of the issue.

Some e-mails quote well-known figures & organizations like Dr James Dobson & Radio Pulpit. This gives them a facade of sincerity.

Spammers copy Christian messages and forward them knowing folk will not delete them.

You have won an overseas lottery

You have been left an inheritance by a relative

The widow of a politician in another country wants to invest money in your bank account to get it out the country. They use women's names because women are thought to be more trustworthy.

Spam

If you get e-mail that you think might be spam, or a hoax, report it to your Internet Service Provider. Let them update their firewall. Even if it's not a threat, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Do not open attachments if you do not know who they are from. Attachments sometimes contain viruses.

Do not forward e-mail if you have an uneasy feeling about it. Just delete it! Whether it is a hoax or not, you have saved the next person's time!

VIRUSES - if you are worried about a file, upload
it to Virus Total http://www.virustotal.com and
see what they say about it (VirusTotal will scan it with 38 AV scanners).
Always be aware of the danger of clicking any
link in an unsolicited email, such as those
purporting to offer a link to a news story:

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· Charges occurring on your accounts that you did not authorize.

· If your credit is denied due to poor credit ratings, despite good credit history.

· If you are contacted by creditors regarding amounts owed for goods or services that you never obtained or authorized.

· If your credit card and bank statements are not received in the mail as expected.

· If a new or renewed credit card is not received.

Identity Theft/Fraud Prevention Measures

U.S. citizens need to be aware of measures that can be taken to either prevent or minimize their chances of becoming a victim of fraud. Some of these measures are as follows:

· Never give personal information via telephone, mail or the Internet, unless you initiated the contact.

· Store personal information in a safe place.

· Shred credit card receipts and/or old statements before discarding in a garbage can--If you do not have a shredder, then use scissors.

· Protect PINs and passwords.

· Carry only the minimum amount of identifying information.

· Remove your name from mailing lists for pre-approved credit lines and tele-marketers.

· Order and closely review biannual copies of your credit report from each national credit reporting agency (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union).

· Request DMV to assign an alternate driver's license number if it currently features your
Social Security account number.

· Ensure that your PIN numbers cannot be observed by anyone while utilizing an ATM or public telephone.

· Close all unused credit card or bank accounts.

· Contact your creditor or service provider if expected bills do not arrive.

· Check account statements carefully.

· Guard your mail from theft.

· BE AWARE!

If You are a Victim of Identity Theft

· These steps are among those that should be completed by persons who believe they have been the victim of an identity theft:

· Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on your credit file in order to reduce your risk of further victimization.

· Obtain and review a current copy of your credit report to determine whether any unknown fraud has occurred--(You will need to more closely monitor your credit going forward as some identity thefts can continue for extended periods of time).

· Contact the account issuer(s) where fraudulent accounts have been opened or where your accounts have been taken over--Ask for the fraud/security department and notify them both via telephone and in writing.

· Close all tampered or fraudulent accounts.

· Ask about the existence of secondary cards.

· Contact your local police department and file a police report.

· Notify the police department in the community where the identity theft occurred, if it is different from your own.

· Obtain copies of any police reports filed.

· Keep a detailed log of who you talked to and when, including their title, phone number, and other contact information.

· Contact the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Clearinghouse and file an identity theft complaint at Those complaints are utilized by law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, that investigate identity theft. You can also obtain additional information at that website regarding your rights as a victim.

· Online identity thefts can also be reported at www.IC3.gov.

Wow! what luck, You can't believe your good fortune-you find a rental home in a nice area through a "Craigslist" classified ad at an unbelievably low rate. The landlord-who had to leave the country and travel to Nigeria-asks that you wire him two months' worth of rent. You arrive at the home on the agreed-upon date, but there's just one small problem-the house is not actually for rent and its owners know nothing about your agreement.

This latest scam being perpetrated by Nigerian criminals located halfway around the world has been seen in a number of U.S. states, perhaps in response to the current housing market-with fewer people buying, more people are renting.

But it's not really a new scam, just a variation of an old one. The so-called 419 scheme-named after the Nigerian penal code section under which this particular kind of fraud is prosecuted-has been around since the early 1980s. The common thread running through these kinds of scams? The victims are solicited by Nigerian criminals to transfer money out of the U.S. and into the criminals pockets usually by being promised something in return. And these schemes are profitable, costing victims millions of dollars annually.

In South Carolina, the rental scam problem has become so prevalent that a state wide alert has been issued to homeowners ans renters in (Charleston, Columbia, Hilton Head, Rhode Island, Illinois, Colorado, and California, etc).

How exactly does the rental housing scam work? The criminals search websites that list homes for sale. They take the information in those ads-lock, stock, and barrel-and post it, with their own e-mail address, in an ad on Craigslist (without Craigslist's consent or knowledge) under the housing rentals category. To sweeten the pot, the houses are almost always listed with below-market rental rates.

An interested party will contact the "homeowner" via e-mail, who usually explains that he or she had to leave the U.S. quickly because of some missionary or contract work in Africa. Victims are usually instructed to send money overseas-enough to cover the first and last month's rent-via a wire transfer service (because the crooks know it can't be traced once it gets picked up on the other end).

Renters might sometimes be asked to fill out credit applications asking for personal information like credit history, social security numbers, and work history. The Nigerian crooks can then use this info to commit identity fraud and steal even more money from their victims.

How to avoid being victimized:

A. Only deal with landlords or renters who are local!

B. Be suspicious if you're asked to only use a wire transfer service!

C.Beware of e-mail correspondence from the "landlord" that's written in poor or broken English!

D.Research the average rental rates in that area and be suspicious if the rate is significantly lower!

E.Don't give out personal information, like social security, bank account, or credit card numbers.

Note: Always ask a lot of questions... 9 times out of 10 if it doesn't feel right... It isn't... follow your instincts.

When you send money to people you do not know personally or give personal or financial information to unknown callers, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud.

Warning signs -- what a caller may tell you:
- "You must act 'now' or the offer won't be good."
- "You've won a 'free' gift, vacation, or prize." But you have to pay for "postage and handling" or other charges.
- "You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier." You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.
- "You don't need to check out the company with anyone." The callers say you do not need to speak to anyone including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
- "You don't need any written information about their company or their references."
- "You can't afford to miss this 'high-profit, no-risk' offer."

If you hear these--or similar--"lines" from a telephone salesperson, just say "no thank you," and hang up the phone.

Some Tips to Avoid Telemarketing Fraud:

1. It's very difficult to get your money back if you've been cheated over the phone. Before you buy anything by telephone, remember:

2. Don't buy from an unfamiliar company. Legitimate businesses understand that you want more information about their company and are happy to comply.

3. Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity. If you get brochures about costly investments, ask someone whose financial advice you trust to review them. But, unfortunately, beware -- not everything written down is true.

4. Always check out unfamiliar companies with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, state Attorney General, the National Fraud Information Center, or other watchdog groups. Unfortunately, not all bad businesses can be identified through these organizations.

5. Obtain a salesperson's name, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailing address, and business license number before you transact business. Some con artists give out false names, telephone numbers, addresses, and business license numbers. Verify the accuracy of these items.

6. Before you give money to a charity or make an investment, find out what percentage of the money is paid in commissions and what percentage actually goes to the charity or investment.

7. Before you send money, ask yourself a simple question. "What guarantee do I really have that this solicitor will use my money in the manner we agreed upon?"

8. You must not be asked to pay in advance for services. Pay services only after they are delivered.

9. Some con artists will send a messenger to your home to pick up money, claiming it is part of their service to you. In reality, they are taking your money without leaving any trace of who they are or where they can be reached.

10. Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won't pressure you to make a snap decision.

11. Don't pay for a "free prize." If a caller tells you the payment is for taxes, he or she is violating federal law.

12. Before you receive your next sales pitch, decide what your limits are -- the kinds of financial information you will and won't give out on the telephone.

13. It's never rude to wait and think about an offer. Be sure to talk over big investments offered by telephone salespeople with a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor.

14. Never respond to an offer you don't understand thoroughly.

15. Never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.

16. Your personal information is often brokered to telemarketers through third parties.

17. If you have information about a fraud report it to state, local, or federal law enforcement agencies.

Medical Equipment Fraud:

Equipment manufacturers offer "free" products to individuals. Insurers are then charged for products that were not needed and/or may not have been delivered.

"Rolling Lab" Schemes:

Unnecessary and sometimes fake tests are given to individuals at health clubs, retirement homes, or shopping malls and billed to insurance companies or Medicare.

Services Not Performed:

Customers or providers bill insurers for services never rendered by changing bills or submitting fake ones.

Medicare Fraud:

Medicare fraud can take the form of any of the health insurance frauds described above. Senior citizens are frequent targets of Medicare schemes, especially by medical equipment manufacturers who offer seniors free medical products in exchange for their Medicare numbers. Because a physician has to sign a form certifying that equipment or testing is needed before Medicare pays for it, con-artists fake signatures or bribe corrupt doctors to sign the forms. Once a signature is in place, the manufacturers bill Medicare for merchandise or service that was not needed or was not ordered.

Some Tips to Avoiding Health Insurance Frauds

A. Never sign blank insurance claim forms.

B. Never give blanket authorization to a medical provider to bill for services rendered.

C. Ask your medical providers what they will charge and what you will be expected to pay out-of-pocket.

D. Carefully review your insurer's explanation of the benefits statement. Call your insurer and provider if you have questions.

E. Do not do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople who tell you that services of medical equipment are free.

F. Give your insurance/Medicare identification only to those who have provided you with medical services.

G. Keep accurate records of all health care appointments.

H. Know if your physician ordered equipment for you.

A Ponzi scheme is essentially an investment fraud wherein the operator promises high financial returns or dividends that are not available through traditional investments. Instead of investing victims' funds, the operator pays "dividends" to initial investors using the principle amounts "invested" by subsequent investors. The scheme generally falls apart when the operator flees with all of the proceeds, or when a sufficient number of new investors cannot be found to allow the continued payment of "dividends."

This type of scheme is named after Charles Ponzi of Boston, Massachusetts, who operated an extremely attractive investment scheme in which he guaranteed investors a 50 percent return on their investment in postal coupons. Although he was able to pay his initial investors, the scheme dissolved when he was unable to pay investors who entered the scheme later.

Some Tips to Avoid Ponzi Schemes:

A. As with all investments, exercise due diligence in selecting investments and the people with whom you invest.

B. Make sure you fully understand the investment before you invest your money.

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