Sunday, June 8, 2008

3 Steps to Protect You from Internet Fraud

Step 1: Protect your desktop
Keep your system up-to-date. Use automatic updates for fixing security vulnerabilities. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware with live updates. If you know how to use a personal firewall, install one as well. Keep your system settings at a protected level, to disable automatic execution of unknown applications.

Step 2: Use only reputable applications
Many Internet scams might install themselves on your machine as part of legitimate applications. Therefore, before executing or installing new applications make sure that the applications are safe. Never execute an application that was received from unknown entities. If you received an application from someone you know, confirm with the sender that it is safe and it was sent by him and not by others using his address. When an application automatically tries to execute itself and you are asked to confirm, be suspicious and if you are not sure don't confirm the execution.

Step 3: Protect yourself from submitting personal and confidential information to scammers using CallingID Toolbar
CallingID automatically detects phishing scams in real-time using 54 verification tests. In addition, it automatically provides you with valuable information: who owns the site you visit and is this owner a real organization. When you see that the entity that will receive your data is different than you expected or that there is a potential risk sending information to that site, you should rethink. CallingID provides all the required information for you to decide if it is safe submitting personal and confidential data to a site before the data is submitted.

Spam Scams

Quick Facts
Some email users have lost money to bogus offers that arrived as spam in their in-box. Con artists are very cunning; they know how to make their claims seem legitimate. Some spam messages ask for your business, others invite you to a website with a detailed pitch. Either way, these tips can help you avoid spam scams:


> Protect your personal information.
Share credit card or other personal information only when you're buying from a company you know and trust.

> Know who you're dealing with.
Don't do business with any company that won't provide its name, street address, and telephone number.

> Take your time.
Resist any urge to “act now” despite the offer and the terms. Once you turn over your money, you may never get it back.

> Read the small print.
Get all promises in writing and review them carefully before you make a payment or sign a contract.

> Never pay for a “free” gift.
Disregard any offer that asks you to pay for a gift or prize. If it's free or a gift, you shouldn't have to pay for it. Free means free.

INTERNET FRAUD

How to Avoid Internet Investment Scams The Internet serves as an excellent tool for investors, allowing them to easily and inexpensively research investment opportunities. But the Internet is also an excellent tool for fraudsters. That's why you should always think twice before you invest your money in any opportunity you learn about through the Internet. This alert tells you how to spot different types of Internet fraud, what the SEC is doing to fight Internet investment scams, and how to use the Internet to invest wisely.