Latest Internet Scams

Latest Internet Scams
This month’s article deals with two of the latest internet scams and how you can avoid getting stung by them. Both scams outlined are active and in use within Ireland.


Scam No 1 – Email From Someone You Know In Trouble
This scam is delivered via email and is an attempt to get you to wire money to a relative or friend in trouble. The Subject will be URGENT HELP!!! And will appear to be from someone you know. Here is an extract from one such scam email.
I'm writing this with tears in my eyes, I’m sorry i didn't inform you about my trip, I had a trip to the SPAIN and a bizarre thing happened to me. I was mugged at a gun point last night, it happened at the park of the Hotel were i lodged but thank God i wasn't hurt, all cash, credit card and cell-phone were stolen off me...but luckily for me i still have my life and passports with me, I was able to make contact with the Police and i was directed to the Embassy, but they seems to be taking things too slow.

I need your help so urgently.. My flight leaves pretty soon but i am having problems sorting out the hotel bills I need a quick loan to get things fixed out here, I promise to refund as soon as i get back home.. Please reply asap. So i can tell you what to do and how to get the money to me.

Hope to read from you soon.
Carmel
Action: Delete this email when you receive it and if you recognize the name it is a good idea to let them know that there is a good possibility their pc is infected and needs to be checked by a qualified technician.

Scam No 2 – Unsolicited Phone Call Offering To Fix Your Computer

The caller will claim to be from Microsoft or some other fairly well known computer company and will tell you that your computer has been identified as having a problem, being the source of a virus or some other defect. The caller will offer to connect and repair the machine over the internet. Once connected they will secretly infect the machine with a virus or spyware and then solicit payment.

This scam can result in you paying out hundreds of euro before you realize you’ve been scammed.

Action: Hang up the phone, turn off your computer and seek professional technical assistance immediately as there is a possibility your pc security has been compromised.

Oliver Reidy is a computer technician and has been in the industry since 1981. He can be contacted above for advice and repairs.