(Web Desk) - Internet is considered as a huge source of
information and entertainment due to which it is targeted by some people
to commit online fraud and identity theft with the users.
The use of internet services or software with internet access to defraud victims or to otherwise take advantage of them is very common.
Nowadays, some major online frauds are being conducted through which personal information is stolen or transactions are carried out.
Free trial offer
This scam is done through giving any particular advertisement on which the user is asked to pay the actual amount only after purchase of the product whereas additional taxes and service charges are excluded.
The required amount is blurred and ambiguous and can be deleted afterwards.
Such fraud can be prevented by focusing on the blurred statement and not considering such free trials and remarks of other people as worthy.
Wi-Fi Hotspot fraud
Whether you’re on a vacation at a resort, waiting in the airport or sitting in a coffee shop, it’s often possible to connect to the Internet through a wireless network provided by the property owner. Sometimes these will be offered for a small fee and sometimes they will be free. But be careful: sometimes free “WiFi” can be a scam perpetrated by criminals hoping to steal your personal information.
In general, this is how the WiFi Hotspot scam works:
Users will browse their network connections to find a wireless network in the area.
You find a network that calls itself “Free WiFi”, or something similar, and decide to connect.
This “Free WiFi” network is not really a hotspot, but a computer-to-computer network that might have been set up as a trap
While you can use the Internet as normal, the attackers have set up their computer to let you browse the Internet through their computer’s connection – as a result, they can see everything you do online.
This trick is especially problematic if you’re visiting websites that require you to enter financial information, like a credit card number, bank account number or passwords. Since the attackers can see everything you’re doing online, they now may have access to your sensitive financial information.
Also, if you’ve set up your laptop to allow file sharing, the attackers can access personal files and data on your laptop, and possibly install spyware on your computer.
Never connect to a “computer-to-computer” network. When choosing a wireless network, check out the description of each one. A normal wireless network is simply called “wireless network” not a “computer-to-computer” network.
Fraud through free competition prize on Twitter
Users can get a tweet on the networking site from any follower offering free gift vouchers or products.
Recent scams have offered fake vouchers for supermarkets and coffee shops. Others have offered free products such as smartphones, tablet devices and laptops.
By clicking on such links gives the access to the fraudulent to send spam emails from the user account.
To avoid such scam the user should first review the profile of the follower and should consider the number his own followers.
However, if the following list is more than the follower list then such people should be immediately blocked.
Computer software service frauds
Scammers have been peddling bogus security software for years. They set up fake websites, offer free “security” scans, and send alarming messages to try to convince you that your computer is infected. Then, they try to sell you software to fix the problem. At best, the software is worthless or available elsewhere for free. At worst, it could be malware — software designed to give criminals access to your computer and your personal information.
The latest version of the scam begins with a phone call. Scammers can get your name and other basic information from public directories. They might even guess what computer software you’re using.
Once they have you on the phone, they often try to gain your trust by pretending to be associated with well-known companies or confusing you with a barrage of technical terms. They may ask you to go to your computer and perform a series of complex tasks.
Sometimes, they target legitimate computer files and claim that they are viruses. Their tactics are designed to scare you into believing they can help fix your “problem.”
Once they’ve gained your trust, they may:
• ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then make changes to your settings that could leave your computer vulnerable.
• try to enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program
• ask for credit card information so they can bill you for phony services — or services you could get elsewhere for free
• trick you into installing malware that could steal sensitive data, like user names and passwords
• direct you to websites and ask you to enter your credit card number and other personal information
Regardless of the tactics they use, they have one purpose: to make money.
Such fraud can be prevented by not clicking on such pop-up windows and just closing it for safe exit whereas if you get any phone call then you should contact your main provider and awaring him of the situation.
Fraud on the name of charity organizations
The scam operates via a fake website which is a very close replica to a legitimate charity site. Scammers may also use replica letters and emails.
In the past, websites have been created that replicate all the details of reputable charities—changing only the details of where to send donations.
Illegitimate online collectors will insist on payment by money transfer.
Besides this they also ask for the user’s personal information and bank account number.
In order to be safe from such scam the user should try to find the official website and should avoid giving personal information and account number as they are not required by the organizations in real donations.
Source : dunyanews
The use of internet services or software with internet access to defraud victims or to otherwise take advantage of them is very common.
Nowadays, some major online frauds are being conducted through which personal information is stolen or transactions are carried out.
Free trial offer
This scam is done through giving any particular advertisement on which the user is asked to pay the actual amount only after purchase of the product whereas additional taxes and service charges are excluded.
The required amount is blurred and ambiguous and can be deleted afterwards.
Such fraud can be prevented by focusing on the blurred statement and not considering such free trials and remarks of other people as worthy.
Wi-Fi Hotspot fraud
Whether you’re on a vacation at a resort, waiting in the airport or sitting in a coffee shop, it’s often possible to connect to the Internet through a wireless network provided by the property owner. Sometimes these will be offered for a small fee and sometimes they will be free. But be careful: sometimes free “WiFi” can be a scam perpetrated by criminals hoping to steal your personal information.
In general, this is how the WiFi Hotspot scam works:
Users will browse their network connections to find a wireless network in the area.
You find a network that calls itself “Free WiFi”, or something similar, and decide to connect.
This “Free WiFi” network is not really a hotspot, but a computer-to-computer network that might have been set up as a trap
While you can use the Internet as normal, the attackers have set up their computer to let you browse the Internet through their computer’s connection – as a result, they can see everything you do online.
This trick is especially problematic if you’re visiting websites that require you to enter financial information, like a credit card number, bank account number or passwords. Since the attackers can see everything you’re doing online, they now may have access to your sensitive financial information.
Also, if you’ve set up your laptop to allow file sharing, the attackers can access personal files and data on your laptop, and possibly install spyware on your computer.
Never connect to a “computer-to-computer” network. When choosing a wireless network, check out the description of each one. A normal wireless network is simply called “wireless network” not a “computer-to-computer” network.
Fraud through free competition prize on Twitter
Users can get a tweet on the networking site from any follower offering free gift vouchers or products.
Recent scams have offered fake vouchers for supermarkets and coffee shops. Others have offered free products such as smartphones, tablet devices and laptops.
By clicking on such links gives the access to the fraudulent to send spam emails from the user account.
To avoid such scam the user should first review the profile of the follower and should consider the number his own followers.
However, if the following list is more than the follower list then such people should be immediately blocked.
Computer software service frauds
Scammers have been peddling bogus security software for years. They set up fake websites, offer free “security” scans, and send alarming messages to try to convince you that your computer is infected. Then, they try to sell you software to fix the problem. At best, the software is worthless or available elsewhere for free. At worst, it could be malware — software designed to give criminals access to your computer and your personal information.
The latest version of the scam begins with a phone call. Scammers can get your name and other basic information from public directories. They might even guess what computer software you’re using.
Once they have you on the phone, they often try to gain your trust by pretending to be associated with well-known companies or confusing you with a barrage of technical terms. They may ask you to go to your computer and perform a series of complex tasks.
Sometimes, they target legitimate computer files and claim that they are viruses. Their tactics are designed to scare you into believing they can help fix your “problem.”
Once they’ve gained your trust, they may:
• ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then make changes to your settings that could leave your computer vulnerable.
• try to enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program
• ask for credit card information so they can bill you for phony services — or services you could get elsewhere for free
• trick you into installing malware that could steal sensitive data, like user names and passwords
• direct you to websites and ask you to enter your credit card number and other personal information
Regardless of the tactics they use, they have one purpose: to make money.
Such fraud can be prevented by not clicking on such pop-up windows and just closing it for safe exit whereas if you get any phone call then you should contact your main provider and awaring him of the situation.
Fraud on the name of charity organizations
The scam operates via a fake website which is a very close replica to a legitimate charity site. Scammers may also use replica letters and emails.
In the past, websites have been created that replicate all the details of reputable charities—changing only the details of where to send donations.
Illegitimate online collectors will insist on payment by money transfer.
Besides this they also ask for the user’s personal information and bank account number.
In order to be safe from such scam the user should try to find the official website and should avoid giving personal information and account number as they are not required by the organizations in real donations.
Source : dunyanews
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