Internet Privacy Protection Scam

More and more users are falling victim to an internet privacy protection scam each and every year. These scams are growing more elaborate and potentially a lot more dangerous at the same time. When is the last time you got an email in your inbox claiming that you won a prize, and all you had to do was follow the URL to claim it? Chances are you see a couple every single day and so does half of the world. There are thousands of email accounts literally programmed to email users all around the world over and over and over. These emails could contain web bugs, Phishing attempts, or possible Trojan horse or spyware. Most ask where these originate from, and a lot of users still do not realize the risk involved in viewing or clicking on these email links.

One of the most unique scams in getting into someone's computer or connection is called Road Apple. This odd term is a stealth scam to breach access to a connection or computer by means of deceit. In this particular case, a Road Apple is generally a situation where an attacker or hacker leaves a virus or spyware on a CDROM, floppy disc, or USB drive in a location where it would be easily found by an unsuspecting victim. The item is then disguised to appeal to a victim's curiosity, such as “Important Information”, or “Top Secret”. In essence, these items are placed in public places such as a lobby or parking lot, with the goal to mislead the victim into not only taking; but running the software. In this case, 9 times out of 10 you will be unknowingly installing malware onto your computer designed to shut down your computer or to steal private information. These kinds of scams are less common but do play a real world part in online scams as there are thousands infected every year by this means. The majority of other scams will involve around receiving an email or message directly asking you for your own personal or private information.

These emails are usually sent from reputable looking email addresses, and very often fool users into sending their sensitive information to a malicious hacker. If you are not asked for personal information you will likely be directed to a URL or website which the sender may claim to be a prize. These links are very harmful and are normally designed to track your browsing and messaging habits. The most important thing to remember when trying to avoid internet scams is to look very closely and pay attention to detail. If you notice a letter off in an email address, or an extra period or “W”, then this sender may not be trustworthy. Protecting yourself from an internet privacy protection scam is essential the web browsing habits of today and the future.

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