AlertPay scam prevention: even more information on phishing

As online security is one of our favourite topics, today we will look at some very specific online scams you have to watch out for: cloud computing scams, social networking scams, Skype scams and Adobe phishing scams. If you spend any amount of time online, you are not immune to these and should take some time to become familiar with them and the ways in which you can protect yourself.

Cloud computing scams

Cloud computing just means that rather than make your own computer do all the work involved in running applications, you access a network of other computers in a cloud to do it; the user does not need to have as much software and hardware installed on their own computer. Using Gmail and Hotmail is an example of cloud computing – your information is not stored on your own computer, but in a service’s computer cloud.

One common cloud computing scam involves Google docs. Phishers use this tool to lure users into sharing their personal information. Google spreadsheets can be used to create forms to collect information, and often look like they are from well-known, reputable companies when they are not. A red flag to watch out for is the URL linking to the scamtastic Google doc; it usually contains the command word “formkey”, followed by an equal sign and a randomly generated identifier link.

Do yourself a favour and do not click on the link or enter personal information in any of the documents or form fields.

Social networking scams

Social networking has not only created new avenues for communication between people, it has also given scammers the world over a near infinite variety of ways to con people. With the advent of new social networking sites, there now exists even more opportunity to weave clever webs into which unwitting victims fall and become tangled. Mere hype in enough to ensnare most people, as with already-viral Google+ scams.

Everyone is excited about Google’s own social networking site, Google+. The only way you can sample the new service is by invite only. I’m sure you can see what’s coming now. That’s right – scammers have discovered a way to create fake Google+ invitations. They come through email, even Facebook. Here’s what to do in both cases – don’t click on any links because they will take you somewhere you don’t want to go.

With email, make sure to check the identity of the person sending the email. If you don’t know the recipient, don’t open or click on any links. If it appears to be from a friend, email them and ask if they sent you an invitation to the new service.

With Facebook, if you may receive a message that appears to be an invitation to Google+. You will be asked to allow third-party access to your account. The safest thing to do is skip this altogether and deny access to your account since if you grant access, the third party can post on your wall and send messages to your friends.

To learn how to disable problematic apps like this, watch this video from Sophos:



Other scams to look out for through Facebook include the infamous “Koobface worm” and Facebook login pages with a URL that differs from www.facebook.com.

And just a word to the wise: the only safe Facebook landing page is www.facebook.com.

Skype scams

The scams that happen through Skype are usually system update phone calls. You may be asked to click on a link to download new anti-virus software. One question to ask yourself is "Why is Skype telling me my computer has a virus?" How would Skype even know to detect this? They do not sell anti-virus software. It's almost like a clothing store clerk asking you if you want fries with that.

Skype scams may also involve emails asking you to click on a link or provide personal information, like email addresses and passwords. Always check the URL to make sure the site to which you have been directed is legitimate. For example, Skype URLs and email addresses should show skype.com not something.skype.com.

If you are ever worried about your Skype account becoming compromised, the good people at Skype recommend you reset your password immediately.

Adobe phishing scams

Adobe software like Acrobat, Reader and Flash has long been targeted by malware developers to deliver all manner of different scams. According to PC World, Adobe phishing scams “simply prey on the heightened awareness of Adobe security issues”. In other words, Adobe scams come disguised as security patches.

Luckily, there are some signs to look out for to tell if a security patch is legit or if it’s a phishing attempt. Firstly, you might receive an email with the security update. Adobe does not usually email users about their security patches. Rather, the updates are installed automatically when you boot up your computer.

If you’ve received an email that looks like it’s from Adobe, check the actual sender email address. If it says anything other than [xxxx]@adobe.com, odds are it’s a phishing attempt.

One of most obvious tell-tale signs of any phishing attempt is atrocious grammar and spelling mistakes, as well as confusing content referring to “Adobe Acrobat Reader” without specifying which software you will be updating.

Now that you know all about these types of scams, avoid them like the plague and tell friends and family about them to avoid the messes they are so infamous for causing.

Related Search Terms:

• alertpay scam
• alertpay hoax
  
• alertpay scam prevention
• alertpay fraud prevention
• alertpay hack prevention
  
• alertpay email scams
  
• alertpay scam email
• alertpay hoax email
  
• alertpay scams
  
• alertpay email scam
• scam message

More information:

- Hoax Slayer
- Phishing alert: Recognizing the latest scam involving AlertPay's name
- Advance fee fraud and 419 scams: what you need to know right now
- AlertPay Security Center
- AlertPay User Agreement

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net