Brring Update...

FYI...If you belong to Brring and use them for your GPT offers, you need to know this. In an earlier post I wrote that the advertisers hang up before I answer. I stand corrected. They are being patient, listening to the ads and getting through to my cell phone. I've had a few leave me voice mail messages. To avoid talking to them I make sure to check caller ID before I answer a call.

ALERT...Valentine's Day Virus

You've opened your inbox and you are all excited to see a you have a Valentine's Day e-card. Before you throw all caution to the wind, you better read this!

Usually around holidays millions of innocent looking emails disguised as e-cards will go out. Don't be a victim. The e-cards actually contain a computer virus believed to be from Russia. Once you click on the e-card your computer is immediately, but secretly, infected with the virus. Your computer is then at the mercy of the people who sent the e-card. They can launch commands to send more spam emails or other criminal activity such as stealing your identity.

The virus has been around for years, but spammers like to take advantage of the holidays because more people are susceptible to open an e-card around those times of the year.

As for tomorrow, no matter how tempting it may be, don't open anything if you are not sure who it is from.

Now There Is 'Vishing'

Since most internet users are on to the phishing scams, we know not to click on links in unsolicited e-mail. Now con artists are turning back to the phone to trick us into turning over our private information.

Like the traditional "phishing" e-mails, "vishing" will report some problem with your account. But instead of clicking on a link to the bogus site you are provided with a phone number to call where an automated answering service takes your information.

Some vishing attacks don't begin with an e-mail. Some come as a phone call where the caller already knows your credit card number (which makes it seem more legit) and just asks for the three-digit security code on the back of the card. You can see how these vishing attempts make it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

So what can you do? If you do get a phone call asking you to provide or confirm any of your personal account information-hang up immediately. Then call your financial institution and inquire about the issue.

To learn more visit fbi.gov

Paypal Phishing Scam...Update Your Account

If you receive any email from Paypal asking you to update your account, it is more than likely a phishing email. Today I received two original looking emails which seemed to be from Paypal, but upon closer look I found them to be scams. The subject is "Update Your Account".

The letter asks you to update your account as part of their continuing commitment to protect your account and to reduce fraud on their website. Yada, yada, yada... Failure to update your account will result in suspension. You are conveniently provided with a link to click on which I'm sure will require you to enter your all of you personal account information. And viola! The crooks have access to your account!

The best thing to do is to forward it to spoof@paypal.com and immediately delete it. Do not respond! Paypal will never ask you for your personal account information.

Learn more Paypal.com Security Center