Computer Service Temecula: Do not get hooked by scams
You work hard for your money, and you depend on having it and spending it wisely. So, it causes a lot of damage when someone swindles you out of that important, vital component of life. With all of the personal information stored on computers and online these days, phishing, or the attempt by cybercriminals to acquire sensitive information such as your bank account password and use it to cheat you out of your money, is becoming an increasing, dangerous concern. It is all over the news, and it could happen to anybody. It even happens to US airports and big-name stores such as Target. It is important to guard yourself against this threat.
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Phishing works by conning you into giving up important, personal information or deceiving you into clicking on links or attachments in messages or emails that contain viruses, which then infect your computer. Cybercriminals often use the most popular social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to commit this crime. Or, cybercriminals who commit phishing crimes disguise themselves as important businesses and direct you to websites that closely resemble the legitimate websites. Here are some of the most common phishing tactics to be on the lookout for.
Surprise! You’ve been tagged in a video that is going viral on Facebook.
This tactic actually happened to one of my Facebook friends just today. You get a message on Facebook, Twitter, or another social media website telling you that you are in a photo or a video that is going viral. It usually reads something like, “OMG! I can’t believe you did that. And in front of your little brother??!! Check out this video.” After the text, there is usually a link that is supposed to direct you to the video or photo you are supposedly featured in. Instead, it takes you to another webpage that asks you to download a plug-in or an extension to view it. The plug-in or extension actually contains a virus or malware, and it takes over your computer and steals your personal information such as passwords and account information.
Your package was not delivered.
Often, phishers pretend to be Fed-ex or UPS and send you an email notifying you that your package was undeliverable. Don’t fall for it! Don’t click on that attachment! Delivery companies almost never contact you directly. You get tracking information from the company you ordered your product from, not from the actual delivery company.
The IRS is after you!
People often get emails that are supposedly from the IRS warning them that their tax refund has been rejected or that there has been a complaint placed against them or their business. These emails usually offer arbitration services to help eliminate the complaint. However, the IRS has stated several times in many different interviews and programs that they will never email you with any kind of request for personal information. So, don’t ignore these kinds of email and DO NOT open any attachments or click on any links the email may contain.