SecurePCNews Blog

Ana has sent you a Greeting Card Scam

2008-10-03T11:13:00.003-04:00

The fake e-card emails continue to spread around the internet. Here is yet another take on the virus delivering email. SecurePCNews.com recently alerted our readers to a growing form of virus scams using 'e-cards' as bait.

Here's another example that is rapidly spreading across the internet. This time the scam is using the brand of 'Hallmark Postcards' to make the scam even more likely to trap unsuspecting email users.

Even clicking the link on these emails can infect your computer with a virus. Notice the link you're told to click ends in ".exe" That means that clicking this link will actually run a program on your computer. The program will install a virus on your PC. The virus might be there to steal your online banking passwords or send out SPAM emails that will look like they are coming from you. In either case, you don't want this virus on your PC.

If you've already clicked the link on this or similar emails we highly recommend getting at least a free virus scan of you PC. This can tell you if you've been infected and what you can do if you have.

The text from the email is included below (link has been changed so it won't work).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
From: From: postcard [mailto:poscard@postcard.org]
Sent: 10/02/2008 4:34 AM
Subject: Ana has sent you a Greeting Card

Hello ,

A friend has sent you a Hallmark Ecard

Click here to view your Ecard .
If you would like to return an Ecard to him simply go to http://ecards.msn.co.uk/

MSN
in association with
Hallmark Cards

Your privacy is our priority. Click the "Privacy and Security" link at the bottom of any page on http://ecards.msn.co.uk/ to see our privacy policy.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you received an email like this, the safest thing to do is just delete it. If you have already clicked on the link you may have unknowingly downloaded a harmful PC virus. You should scan your PC for viruses now to check for spyware or any other malware.

If you don't have anti-virus software we recommend McAfee Security or PCSecurity Shield. Both provide great anti-virus protection at affordable prices.

Don't be a victim. Subscribe to the SecurePCNews.com monthly newsletter to learn about the latest internet and identity theft scams.

Lloyds TSB Online Email Scam

2008-10-03T09:57:00.004-04:00

You may have received an email fraudulently claiming to be from Lloyds TSB financial institution. If so you are the target of an eMail Scam, commonly called a "Phishing" scam. Following the link included in the email could result in financial and identity loses. The link takes you to a 'spoofed' of fake copy of the real Lloyds TSB Online Banking login page. Any information you type on this screen will go directly to the fraudsters, not Lloyds.

For more information about phishing visit SecurePCNews are review the article entitled "Don't get hooked by a phisher."

To see the original scam email click here:

Following is the text of the Scam email message:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: Lloyds TSB Bank plc [mailto:Security@lloyds.co.uk] Sent: 10/03/2008 1:47 AMTo: articles@riverbankconsulting.comSubject: Banking Security

Online Access Has Been Suspended

We have reason to believe that your account was accessed by a third party. Because protecting the security of your account is our primary concern, we have limited access to sensitive Lloyds TSB account features. We understand that this may be an inconvenience but please understand that this temporary limitation is for your protection. Case ID Number:943-582-621.
Your Online Access has been suspended immediately the third time a wrong password is keyed in. This feature prevents any unauthorized persons from messing with your account.
Please click on Internet Banking to continue to the verification process and ensure your account security. It is all about your security. Thank you. and visit the customer service section.

Fraud Prevention UnitLegal AdvisorLloyds TSB.
Accounts Management As outlined in our User Agreement, Lloyds TSB (r) will periodically send you information about site changes and enhancements.
Please do not reply to this e-mail. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered.
8.5
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you received an email like this, the safest thing to do is just delete it. If you have already clicked on the link you may have unknowingly downloaded a harmful PC virus. You should immediately run a full virus scan to check for spyware or any other malware.

If you don't have anti-virus or anti-spyware software, visit our online shop for a number of brands you can purchase online and download.

If you provided any information such as your online banking login information or any other personal inforation you may be at risk for fraudulent financial transactions. You should immediately contact your financial institution for assistance. For more information about fruadulent email scams and how to report suspicious emails at Lloyds TSB visit their website at http://www.lloydstsb.com/security.asp

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of a phishing email visit SecurePCNews or subscribe to the SecurePCNews.com Newsletter.

Dell Award Notification eMail Scam

2008-08-26T20:11:00.005-04:00

You may have received the email below. If so you unfortunately are not the winner of a Dell Award, rather you are the target of a scam often referred to as a Nigerian scam. Scams like this often lead to financial and identity theft. Learn more about Nigerian Scams here and learn more about identity theft here.

Every 3 seconds an identity is stolen. Can you afford not to protect your good name with guaranteed protection? LifeLock offers a guarantee of their identity protection service of up to $1,000,000. This is the identity theft prevention you've seen advertised on television.

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft visit SecurePCNews at where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft.

Following is the text of the scam email: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

-----Original Message-----
From: Dell Award Team [mailto:sm.stewart@bigpond.com]
Sent: 08/26/2008 2:34 PM
Subject: Dell Award Notification

Dell Award Notification

We are delighted to inform you that you are one of the THREE LUCKY
WINNERS whose e-mail address won the sum payout of 1,000,000.00
pounds.(One Milion Pounds Sterlings Only) in the DELL
ELECTRONICS SEASONAL AWARD 2008.

Please be informed that all participants were selected through a
computer ballot system drawn from over 30,000 company and 50,000,000
individual email addresses and names from all over the world. To file
in for your claims, contact our claim's agent with your information
as provided below:

Wright Brown
Email:dellawardint@yahoo.com.hk

Full Names:......Country:....... Tel:......Marital
Status.........Sex.......Age:.... Occupation:.... Nationality:.......
Residential Address: .........
How Do You Wish To Receive Your Funds? 1. Cheque Delivery by Courier 2.
Direct Bank Transfer

Mrs Maureen Graham
(Information Officer)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Any contact with the sender of this email could result in financial and identity loses. If you received an email like this, just delete it. If you have made contact with this person you may be at risk. You should immediately contact your local law enforcement agency and or financial institution for assistance if you provided ANY personal or financial information.

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft visit SecurePCNews at where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft.

Subscribe to the SecurePCNews Newsletter to get information like this delivered to your email inbox as well as timely important tips on protecting yourself online.

Citibank ATM PINs May Have Been Stolen

2008-06-26T09:32:00.006-04:00

Is your ATM PIN number safe inside your bank? Citibank customers may have a reason to be concerned. According to this widely published news story, hackers appear to have accessed not only ATM card numbers, but frightenly, they also got PIN numbers. Here's the story as published ny Kevin Poulsen:on Wired Magazines' website:

A computer intrusion into a Citibank server that processes ATM withdrawals led to two Brooklyn men making hundreds of fraudulent withdrawals from New York City cash machines in February, pocketing at least $750,000 in cash, according to federal prosecutors.

The ATM crime spree is apparently the first to be publicly linked to the breach of a major U.S. bank's systems, experts say.

"We've never heard of PINs coming out of the bank environment," says Dan Clements, CEO of the fraud watchdog company CardCops, who monitors crime forums for stolen information.

Credit card and ATM PIN numbers show up often enough in underground trading, but they're invariably linked to social engineering tricks like phishing attacks, "shoulder surfing" and fake PIN pads affixed to gas station pay-at-the-pump terminals.

But if federal prosecutors are correct, the Citibank intrusion is an indication that even savvy consumers who guard their ATM cards and PIN codes can fall prey to the growing global cyber-crime trade.

"That's really the gold, the debit cards and the PINs," says Clements.

Citibank denied to Wired.com's Threat Level that its systems were hacked. But the bank's representatives warned the FBI on February 1 that "a Citibank server that processes ATM withdrawals at 7-Eleven convenience stores had been breached," according to a sworn affidavit (.pdf) by FBI cyber-crime agent Albert Murray.

Federal prosecutors in New York have charged 32-year-old Ukrainian immigrant Yuriy Ryabinin, aka Yuriy Rakushchynets, with access device fraud for allegedly using the stolen information to go on a cash-withdrawal spree. Ryabinin, who is allegedly an active member of underground credit card fraud forums, is not charged with the intrusion itself. He and a co-defendant "received over the internet information related to Citibank customers, which information had previously been stolen from Citibank," according to an indictment (.pdf) in the case.

Also charged is 30-year-old Ivan Biltse, who allegedly made some of the withdrawals, and Angelina Kitaeva. Ryabinin's wife is charged with obstruction of justice in the investigation.

In addition to looting Citibank accounts, Ryabinin is accused of participating in a global cyber crime feeding frenzy that tore into four specific iWire prepaid MasterCard accounts last fall. From September 30 to October 1 -- just two days -- the iWire accounts were hit with more than 9,000 actual and attempted withdrawals from ATM machines "around the world," according to Murray's affidavit, resulting in a staggering $5 million in losses.

Ryabinin was allegedly responsible for more than $100,000 of the stolen iWire cash, which he pulled from Brooklyn ATMs. St. Louis-based First Bank, which issued the cards, declined to comment on the matter, citing the ongoing prosecution.

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft or account fraud visit SecurePCNews where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft.

At the time of the ATM capers, FBI and U.S. Secret Service agents had already been investigating Ryabinin for his alleged activities on eastern European carder forums.

Ryabinin allegedly used the same ICQ chat account to conduct criminal business, and to participate in amateur radio websites. The feds compared photos of Ryabinin from some of the ham sites to video captured by ATM cameras in the New York Citibank and iWire withdrawals, and determined it was the same man -- right down to the tan jacket with dark-blue trim.

When they raided Ryabinin's home, agents found his computer logged into a carding forum. They also found a magstripe writer, and $800,000 in cash, including $690,000 in garbage bags, shopping bags and boxes stashed in the bedroom closet. Another $99,000 in cash turned up in one of the safe deposit boxes rented by Ryabinin and his wife, Olena. Biltse was also found with $800,000 in cash.

Ryabinin's wife told investigators that she witnessed her husband "leave the couple's house with bundles of credit cards in rubber bands and return with large sums of cash," a Secret Service affidavit (.pdf) reads. You can view the full story at Wired.com

Don't get scammed!

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Oceanic Mill Company Work Online Scam

2008-05-09T18:25:00.003-04:00

Special thanks to Sharon Wilkinson for passing this email scam on to SecurePCNews. Sharon accurately detected that this is offer to 'work online' is a scam.

You may have received the same or similar email. If so you unfortunately are not being offered a career opportunity with Oceanic Mill Company London, rather you are the target of a form of identity theft related scams. Learn more about identity theft here.

Any contact with the sender of this email could result in financial and identity loses. If you received an email like this, just delete it. If you have made contact with this person you may be at risk. You should immediately contact your local law enforcement agency and or financial institution for assistance if you provided ANY personal or financial information.

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft visit SecurePCNews where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft.

Following is the text of the scam email:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: M TERRY
To: markterry63@yahoo.com
Sent: Friday, May 9, 2008 7:08:45 AM
Subject: WORK ONLINE!!!

Oceanic Mill Company London.
Ash field Business Centre
28 Christchurch Ave
London NW6 7QN
Great Britain

Dear Sir/Ma,
Please permit me to write you irrespective of the fact we have not met
before. I got your contact through network online hence I decided to
write you. I would be very interested in offering you a part-time
paying job in which you could earn a lot. Getting an accountant in the states
or opening an account would have been my best choice but I have a
deadline to meet and taking any of those choices would cost me time
and a whole lot of other requirements,which I am not ready to deal with.
That is where i need your assistant and service. APPLICATION FORM is added
to this email which you will complete and send back to us to enable us
register your application. Below are the details of the job and your
application form.

Oceanic Fabrics run an arts gallery in the UK and China and we need someone to
work for the company as a representative/Account Officer in United
States. The company deals in the sale of Art and Craft works,
sculptures and carvings, antique and produces various fabrics materials, batiks,
assorted fabrics and various traditional costumes from all over the
world and we have clients we supply weekly in the United States.

ADVANTAGES
You do not have to go out as you will work as an independent contractor
right from your home office. Your job is absolutely legal.
You can earn up to $3000-4000 monthly.
You do no need any capital to start.
You can do the Work easily without leaving or affecting your present
Job.
You have a strong possibility to become managers if you are Honest and
hard working.

WHY WE NEED YOU
The reason why we need you is mainly owing to the fact that when we
supply samples or large quantities of Products and payments are
issued out in the form of Certified Official US Checks, it takes a minimum of
25 banking days for the payments to clear into our accounts here in the
UK; this greatly slows down our working capital and incentives, It
also slow down our full financial capacity, because we also have to make
payments to the sources of the materials.

JOB DESCRIPTION
(A) Receive Payments on our Behalf from our American Customers; such
payments shall come in the form of Certified US Official Checks
(B) Cash such payments at your local Bank
(c) Deduct the money that accrues to you.(10% Of the Money)
(D) Transfer the balance to the company via Money gram Or Western Union
International Money Transfer.
(E)TRANSACTION WOULD BE MADE EASIER IF YOU HAVE ANY EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT.
Below is the form for you to complete and email it back to me for
processing. You will be contacted back as soon as your application is
successful.
I hope to receive your completed application form today.
EMPLOYMENT FORM
Reference No:- LSLCA/2031/ 8161/05 Batch No:- R4/A313/2-60
First Name:................ Middle Name:................ Last
Address Line 1..............................................
Address Line 2....................................
City..........................................
State.....................
Zip................
Home Phone........................
Cell Phone.........................
Gender.............
Marital Status........................
Age.................
Nation of Origin..............................
Current job..................................

ATTESTATION
According to how you have been briefed earlier.. You are required to
receive payment on behalf of the above mentioned firm. You are to
deduct 10% of all funds processed on a particular order & forward the balance
payment via western union to any of the companiesʼ regional outlets
that will be given to you later. You will notify the company a week
ahead if eventually you want to discontinue this job. So as to terminate all
payment coming your way to avoid conflict..
Date...................
So i would be expecting to hear from you soon, Thanks and God bless,

Marketing Manager
Oceanic Fabrics Company London.
Mr. Mark Terry
Ash field Business Centre
28 Christchurch Ave
London NW6 7QN
Great Britain
Phone #: +447024084480
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Subscribe to the SecurePCNews Newsletter to get information like this delivered to your email inbox as well as timely important tips on protecting yourself online.

Urgent Nofication from FBI

2008-04-15T09:44:00.002-04:00

You may have received the email below. If so you unfortunately are not being contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), rather you are the target of a scam often referred to as a Nigerian scam. Scams like this often lead to financial and identity theft. Learn more about Nigerian Scams here and learn more about identity theft here.

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft visit SecurePCNews at where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft.

Following is the text of the scam email: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

-----Original Message-----
From: larry.hans@luckymail.com [mailto:larry.hans@luckymail.com]
Sent: 04/15/2008 6:52 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: URGENT NOTIFICATION FROM THE F.B.I.

FROM :LARRY HANS
CYBER WIRETAP AND FUNDS RECOVERY DEPARTMENT,
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FBI.
J.EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING
935 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE,
NW WASHINGTON, D.C
20535-0001, USA .

ATTENTION SIR / TREAT VERY URGENTLY

We believe this notification meets you in a very good state of mind and
health.The FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI) Washington,D.C in
conjunction with some other relevant Investigative Agencies here in the
United states of America have recently been informed through our Global
intelligence monitoring network that you have a pending FUND
transaction with a Bank regarding to an over-due Inheritance / Award
payment which was fully endorsed to be paid in your favor.

It might interest you to know that we have taken out time in screening
through this whole transaction as stipulated on our protocol of
operation and have finally confirmed that FIBI BANK UK is the autorized
financial institution scheduled to make your payment in line with their
remittance requirements. Several investigations by us have shown that you
have been dealing with some unauthorized persons regarding the transfer
of these funds.

Our UK attache agent recently had a meeting with the Manager of FIBI
BANK UK, in the person of MR. MICHAEL BERWALD and MR. PATRICK OWEN along
with some of other top officials of the BANK regarding your case and
they made us to understand that your file has been held in abase pending
when you personally file for your claims. They intimated him that the
only problem they are facing right now is that some unscrupulous element
are using this project as an avenue to scam innocent people off their
hard earned money by impersonating to be STAFF OF FIBI BANK and its
affiliates.

We were also made to understand that a lady with name Mrs.Joan C.Bailey
from Ohio, United Of America has already contacted them and also
presented to them all the necessary documentations evidencing your claim
purported to have been signed personally by you prior to the release of
your funds to her, though they insisted on hearing from you personally
before they could go ahead on wiring the funds to the Bank information
provided by the above named Lady. It is basically one of the main reasons
why they contacted us, to enable us assist them in carrying out proper
investigation and subsequently informing you of their mandate to
Remitting your funds.

Most importnatly, We advise that you discontinue further dealings with
any person or organization posing as staff or affiliate of FIBI BANK,
or any other Bank/agency concerning the transfer of your funds. In your
own interest, You are advised to immediately contact FIBI BANK UK on
the following details for the onward remittance of your funds.

CONTACT PERSON : MR. MICHAEL BERWALD
FIBI BANK UK PLC
24 CREECHURCH LANE, LONDON, EC3A 5JX,UK
TEL/FAX :+44-7005-982-225
TEL: +44 7045729287
EMAIL: fibi.bank.uk@go2.pl , fibi@FinanceMail.net

Ensure that you comply to all their remittance procedures and also
furnish them with your full details (Full names and address, direct
telephone and fax numbers, source of funds,Expected Amount, etc) to enable
them in their verification processes before the release of your funds.

Best Regards,

Agent Larry Hans

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Any contact with the sender of this email could result in financial loses and identity theft. If you received an email like this, just delete it. If you have made contact with this person you may be at risk. You should immediately contact your local law enforcement agency and or financial institution for assistance if you provided ANY personal or financial information.

Every 3 seconds an identity is stolen. Can you afford not to protect your good name with guaranteed protection? LifeLock offers a guarantee of their identity protection service of up to $1,000,000. This is the identity theft prevention you've seen advertised on television.

Subscribe to the SecurePCNews Newsletter to get information like this delivered to your email inbox as well as timely important tips on protecting yourself online.

Millennium Scientific Computer Games Email Scam

2008-04-14T10:47:00.005-04:00

Here's yet another example of a Lottery scam email that is hitting inboxes everywhere.

Unfortunately you did not really win a drawing by Millennium Scientific Computer Games, rather you are the target of a scam often referred to as a Lottery or Nigerian scam. Scams like this often lead to financial and identity theft. Learn more about Nigerian Scams here and learn more about identity theft here.

Following is the text of the scam email:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
From: manner760 bige [mailto:manner760@web.de]
Sent: 04/14/2008 10:36 AM
To: manner760@web.de
Subject: Your e-mail has won a prize

Dear Sir/Madam.

We wish to congratulate you over your email success in our computer balloting held on 7th April. This is a Millennium Scientific Computer Game in which email addresses were used. It is a promotional program aimed at encouraging internet users; therefore you do not need to buy ticket to enter for it. You have been approve f or the star prize of US $787:000:00 (Seven Hundred And Eighty Seven Thousand United State Dollars Only).

To claim your winning prize you are to contact the appointed agent as soon as possible for the immediate release of your winnings:

ZURICH SECURITY COMPANY S.A
E-mail infozurich1959@yahoo.com
Contact Person:- Dr Alanso Marco

Ref No:-EMSL/ 2008/April
Ticket No: - T W M T/1 800/806
Lucky No:- 07-13-31.54-640
Ser ial No: - MUO TI/82536

You must contact the appointed agent with your Full Names, Contact Telephone Numbers (Home, Office and Mobile Number and also Fax Number) via email to process the immediate payment of your prize.
The Validity period of the winnings is for 30 working days hence you are expected to make your claims immediately.
Once again congratulations !!!

Mrs.Sarah Elena Mariano.
(Program Executive Assistant)

Unbegrenzter Speicherplatz für Ihr E-Mail Postfach? Jetzt aktivieren!
http://freemail.w eb.de/club/landingpage.htm/?mc=025555

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Any contact with the sender of this email could result in financial and identity loses. If you received an email like this, just delete it. If you have made contact with this person you may be at risk. You should immediately contact your local law enforcement agency and or financial institution for assistance if you provided ANY personal or financial information.

Don't take a chance with your credit Reputation! Get Equifax Score Watch Now!

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft visit SecurePCNews.com where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft, credit card fraud and other internet and email scams like phishing.

Subscribe to the SecurePCNews Newsletter to get information like this delivered to your email inbox as well as timely important tips on protecting yourself online.

Capital One Verify Account Email Scam

2008-04-14T10:42:00.002-04:00

You may have received the following email fraudulently claiming to be from Citigroup financial institution. If so you are the target of an eMail Scam, commonly called a "Phishing" scam. Following the link included in the email could result in financial and identity loses. The link takes you to a 'spoofed' of fake copy of the real Citi login page. Any information you type on this screen will go directly to the fraudsters, not Citigroup.

For more information about phishing visit SecurePCNews are review the article entitled "Don't get hooked by a phisher."

Following is the text of the Scam email message:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: CapitalOne [mailto:support@capitalone.com]
Sent: 04/14/2008 10:31 AM
Subject: SPAM:Important Notice
Importance: High

Verify Your Account Details
________________________________________

As part of measures of ensuring a safer and more secure Banking environment. We have re-structured our Banking servers .

We have decided to put an extra verification process to ensure your identity and account information is protected.

Please click on continue, to the verification process and ensure your Account information is entered correctly to get verified.

It is all about your security.

Capital One will never ask for your PIN .

Thank you.
Continue To Online Banking

_______________________________________

Capital One, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you received an email like this, the safest thing to do is just delete it. If you have already clicked on the link you may have unknowingly downloaded a harmful PC virus. You should immediately run a full virus scan to check for spyware or any other malware.

If you don't have anti-virus or anti-spyware software, visit our online shop for a number of brands you can purchase online and download.

If you provided any information such as your online banking login information or any other personal inforation you may be at risk for fraudulent financial transactions. You should immediately contact your financial institution for assistance. For more information about fruadulent email scams and how to report suspicious emails at Capital One visit their website at http://capitalone.com/fraud/prevention/phishing.php?linkid=WWW_1107_Z_10_HOME_R3_08_T_FPRV1

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of a phishing email visit SecurePCNews or subscribe to the SecurePCNews.com Newsletter.

Microsoft Award Lottery Email Scam

2008-04-14T09:54:00.003-04:00

You may have received the email below. If so you unfortunately are not the winner of a Microsoft Award Lottery, rather you are the target of a scam often referred to as a Nigerian scam. Scams like this often lead to financial and identity theft. Learn more about Nigerian Scams here and learn more about identity theft here.

Every 3 seconds an identity is stolen. Can you afford not to protect your good name with guaranteed protection? LifeLock offers a guarantee of their identity protection service of up to $1,000,000. This is the identity theft prevention you've seen advertised on television.

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft visit SecurePCNews at where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft.

Following is the text of the scam email: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

-----Original Message-----
From: MICIROSOFT EMAIL LOTTERY 2008 [mailto:microsoft@lottery.com]
Sent: 04/13/2008 6:21 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: REF NO: MSW/ 776090X2/23////
--
AWARD PRIZE: £500,000,GBP
Claims Agent : Mr.James West.
EMAIL:mr_james2008@hotmail.com

AWARD FINANCE DEPARTMENTS
ACCREDITTED AGENCY.

DEAR WINNER,

CONGRATULATIONS!This is to inform you that you have been cleared a
winner of the MICROSOFT AWARD LOTTERY online Sweepstakes International
program.

I am happy to inform you that i have forwarded your original winning
certificate and winning cheque to fastway MICROSOFT company .Find below
the details of the MICROSOFT company.

You are adviced to send the MICROSOFT company a mail to their email
address for their MICROSOFT company cost.When contacting them,you are to
include this parcel identification number as your subject. Please you are advised to
write down the parcel identification number and save it.

PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER : REF NO: MSW/ 776090X2/23
BATCH NO: 013/05/8394369
DRAW NO_____
FULL NAMES_______________________
FULL CONTACT ADDRESS___________________________________
ZIPCODE____________________________
SEX______________
DATE OF BIRTH ________________________
POSTAL CODE ____________________________
OCCUPATION______________________________
COMPANY NAME _____________________________
TEL______________________
FAX ____________________
COUNTRY ______________________

--
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
believed to be clean.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Any contact with the sender of this email could result in financial and identity loses. If you received an email like this, just delete it. If you have made contact with this person you may be at risk. You should immediately contact your local law enforcement agency and or financial institution for assistance if you provided ANY personal or financial information.

Protect yourself today with IDENTITY GUARD®

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft visit SecurePCNews at where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft.

Subscribe to the SecurePCNews Newsletter to get information like this delivered to your email inbox as well as timely important tips on protecting yourself online.

Banesto Bank Email Scam

2008-04-14T09:33:00.004-04:00

You may have received the following email fraudulently claiming to be from Madrid, Spain based Banesto financial institution. If so you are the target of an eMail Scam, commonly called a "Phishing" scam. Following the link included in the email could result in financial and identity loses. The link takes you to a 'spoofed' of fake copy of the real Banesto login page. Any information you type on this screen will go directly to the fraudsters, not Banesto.

For more information about phishing visit SecurePCNews are review the article entitled "Don't get hooked by a phisher."

Following is the text of the Scam email message:

An literal English translation is also available at the bottom of this post.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: Banesto [mailto:oficina@banesto.es]
Sent: 04/14/2008 5:15 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Participa en la tombola de Banesto! Exclusivo para clientes de Banesnet

BANESTO le comunica que con la entrada del año 2008 los servidores banesto de procesos bancarios han sido actualizados y estan ya operativos. Sin embargo debido a la ingente cantidad de usuarios que usan Internet como medio de pago seguro, nos vemos en la obligación a pedirle su colaboración para una rápida restauracion de los datos en las nuevas plataformas.

Si no ha entrado en su cuenta bancaria en las últimas 12 horas se ruega lo haga de inmediato para evitar cualquier posible anomalía en su cuenta o futura pérdida de datos.

Puede entrar a su cuenta desde el siguiente enlace www.banesto.es o para mayor comodidad hacer click sobre la imagen correspondiente a su tipo de cuenta y seguir las instrucciones.

Click Aqui Para Accesar:

banesto pone a tu disposición, sin costo adicional nuevos servidores que cuentan con la última tecnología en protección y encriptacion de datos.
Una vez mas banesto líder en el ramo.
________________________________________
Le recordamos que últimamente se envian e-mails de falsa procedencia con fines fraudulentos y lucrativos. Por favor nunca ponga los datos de su tarjeta bancaria en un mail y siempre compruebe que la procedencia del mail es de @banesto.es

Todos los Derechos Reservados 1998-2006 Grupo Financiero banestoS.A.
Para cualquier duda o aclaraciуn comunнquese con nosotros
al Tel. 343 00 43 o 01 8000 51 7777
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you received an email like this, the safest thing to do is just delete it. If you have already clicked on the link and provided any personal or bank account information you may already be at risk for fraudulent transcation or even identity theft. You should immediately contact your financial instituion or your local law enforcement authorities. You can also find contact information for Banesto at their website: http://www.banesto.es/.

If you don't have anti-virus or anti-spyware software, visit our online shop for a number of brands you can purchase online and download.

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of a phishing email visit SecurePCNews or subscribe to the SecurePCNews.com Newsletter.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
English Transalation (translation provided by Altavista Babel Fish)

BANESTO communicates to him that with the entrance of the year the 2008 servants banesto of banking processes have been updated and are already operative. Nevertheless due to the enormous amount of users who use Internet like means of safe payment, we see ourselves in the obligation request its collaboration to him for a fast restoration of the data in the new platforms.

If it has not entered its banking account in last the 12 hours it requests makes it immediately to avoid any possible anomaly in its account or future loss of data.

Www.banesto.es or greater comfort can enter its account from the following connection to do click on the image corresponding to its type of account and to follow the instructions. Click Aqui For Accesar: banesto makes your available, without additional cost new servants who count on the last technology in protection and encriptacion of data.

Once again banesto leader in the branch we remembered to Him that lately they envian e-mails of false origin with fraudulent and lucrative aims. Please never it puts the data of its banking card in a mail and it always verifies that the origin of the mail is of @banesto.es

ATM Payment Center Email Scam

2008-04-14T09:31:00.001-04:00

Many email users have reported receiving an email similar to the one below. If you are one of them, you are the target of an eMail Scam, commonly called a Nigerian Scam.

You can learn more about Nigerian scams at SecurePCNews.com.

Following is the text of the Scam email message:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: Mr Patrick Duru [mailto:oficemail31@chinaren.com]
Sent: 04/14/2008 7:04 AM
Subject: ATM PAYMENT CENTER

ATM PAYMENT UPDATE
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF AUDITOR TO THE PRESIDENT,
INTERNATIONAL CREDIT SETTLEMENT
SIR/MADAM,
THIS IS TO OFFICIALLY INFORM YOU THAT WE HAVE VERIFIED YOUR CONTRACT /INHERITANCE FILE AND FOUND OUT THAT IS WHY YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR PAYMENT IS BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOT FUFILLED THE OBLIGATIONS GIVEN TO YOU IN RESPECT OF YOUR CONTRACT/INHERITANCE PAYMENT.
SECONDLY WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT YOU ARE STILL DEALING WITH THE NONE OFFICIALS IN THE BANK, ALL IN YOUR ATTEMPT TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF THE FUND TO YOU. WE WISH TO ADVISE YOU THAT SUCH AN ILLEGAL ACT LIKE THIS HAVE TO STOP IF YOU WISHES TO RECEIVE YOUR PAYMENT SINCE WE HAVE DECIDED TO BRING A SOLUTION TO YOUR PROBLEM. RIGHT NOW WE HAVE ARRANGED YOUR PAYMENT THROUGH OUR SWIFT CARD PAYMENT CENTER ASIA PACIFIC, THAT IS THE LATEST INSTRUCTION FROM MR. PRESIDENT, ALHAJI UMARU MUSA YARADUA (GCFR) FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
THIS CARD CENTER WILL SEND YOU AN ATM CARD WHICH YOU WILL USE TO WITHDRAW YOUR MONEY IN ANY ATM MACHINE IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD, BUT THE MAXIMUM IS ONE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED UNITED STATES DOLLARS PER DAY. SO IF YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE YOUR FUND IN THIS WAY, PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CONTACTING THE ATM PAYMENT DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR AND ALSO SEND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS LISTED BELOW.
1. FULL NAME
2. FULL ADDRESS (P.O BOX NOT ACCEPTABLE)
3. PHONE AND FAX #
4. YOUR AGE, SEX AND CURRENT OCCUPATION
5. ATTACH COPY OF YOUR IDENTIFICATION
HOWEVER, KINDLY FIND BELOW THE CONTACT PERSON:
INTEGRATED PAYMENT DEPARTMENT
DR.MICHAEL BELLO
EMAIL:dr.michaelbello@hotmail.com
TEL:234 7031 997 538
THE ATM CARD PAYMENT CENTER HAS BEEN MANDATED TO ISSUE OUT $2,300,000.00 AS PART PAYMENT FOR THIS QUATER. ALSO FOR YOUR INFORMATION, YOU HAVE TO STOP ANY FURTHER COMMUNICATION WITH ANY OTHER PERSON(S) OR OFFICE(s) TO AVOID ANY HITCHES IN RECEIVING YOUR PAYMENT.
NOTE THAT BECAUSE OF IMPOSTORS, WE HEREBY ISSUE YOU OUR CODE OF CONDUCT, WHICH IS (ATM-811) SO YOU HAVE TO INDICATE THIS CODE WHEN CONTACTING THE CARD CENTER BY USING IT AS YOUR SUBJECT.
REGARDS,
MR.MR PATRICK DURU
CHIEF AUDITOR TO THE PRESIDENT
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
________________________________________
来给Ta发张卡片吧！

*用搜狗拼音写邮件，体验更流畅的中文输入>>

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you received an email like this, the safest thing to do is just delete it. If you have already made contact with this sender you may be at risk for financial losses or identity theft.

Emails like this one often contain hidden spyware or other malicious software that can steal account and password information right from your computer. If you don't have anti-virus or anti-spyware software, visit our online shop for a number of brands you can purchase online and download.

If you provided any information such as your online banking login information or any other personal inforation you may be at risk for fraudulent financial transactions. We recommend visiting the US Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Site for additional information.

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of a identity theft visit SecurePCNews.

Don't be the last to know. Subscribe to the SecurePCNews.com Newsletter to learn about recent internet scams like this one.

1001 Postcards email scam

2008-04-14T09:23:00.003-04:00

The fake e-card emails continue to spread around the internet. Here is yet another take on the virus delivering email. SecurePCNews.com recently alerted our readers to a growing form of virus scams using 'e-cards' as bait.

Here's another example that is rapidly spreading across the internet. This time the scam is using the brand of '1001 Postcards' to make the scam even more likely to trap unsuspecting email users.

Even clicking the link on these emails can infect your computer with a virus. Notice the link you're told to click ends in ".exe" That means that clicking this link will actually run a program on your computer. The program will install a virus on your PC. The virus might be there to steal your online banking passwords or send out SPAM emails that will look like they are coming from you. In either case, you don't want this virus on your PC.

If you've already clicked the link on this or similar emails we highly recommend getting at least a free virus scan of you PC. This can tell you if you've been infected and what you can do if you have.

The text from the email is included below (link has been changed so it won't work).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
From: webmaster@postcards.org [mailto:webmaster@postcards.org]
Sent: 04/08/2008 5:08 PM
To: ajones@riverbankconsulting.com
Subject: You have received a card from a family member!

You have received a card from a family member!

If you can‘t click on the web address above, you can also
visit 1001 Postcards

http://www.postcards.org/postcards/ and enter your pickup code, which is: a91-valets-cloud-mad

Oh -- and if you‘d like to reply with a postcard, you can do so by visiting this web address:

http://www2.postcards.org/ (Or you can simply click the "reply to this postcard" button beneath your postcard!)

Regards, 1001 Postcards
http://www.postcards.org/postcards/

You can pick up your postcard at the following web address:
http://www2.postcards.org/?a91-valets-cloud-31337

1001 Postcards and postcards.org are service marks of 1001 Media Group.
Copyright © 1997-2006 1001 Media Group.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you received an email like this, the safest thing to do is just delete it. If you have already clicked on the link you may have unknowingly downloaded a harmful PC virus. You should scan your PC for viruses now to check for spyware or any other malware.

If you don't have anti-virus software we recommend McAfee Security or PCSecurity Shield. Both provide great anti-virus protection at affordable prices.

Don't be a victim. Subscribe to the SecurePCNews.com monthly newsletter to learn about the latest internet and identity theft scams.

Hallmark E-card virus scam

2008-04-14T09:04:00.005-04:00

Did you see this email in your inbox. Beware! It might be a virus attack.
Click the image to see the image in full size.

SecurePCNews.com recently alerted our readers to a growing form of virus scams using 'e-cards' as bait.

Here's another example that is rapidly spreading across the internet. This time the scam is using the well known greeting card brand 'Hallmark' to make the scam even more likely to trap unsuspecting email users.

Even clicking the link on these emails can infect your computer with a virus. Notice the link you're told to click ends in ".exe" That means that clicking this link will actually run a program on your computer. The program will install a virus on your PC. The virus might be there to steal your online banking passwords or send out SPAM emails that will look like they are coming from you. In either case, you don't want this virus on your PC.

If you've already clicked the link on this or similar emails we highly recommend getting at least a free virus scan of you PC. This can tell you if you've been infected and what you can do if you have.

The text from the email is included below (link has been changed so it won't work).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
From: hallmark.com [mailto:E-Cards@hallmark.com]
Sent: 04/14/2008 7:10 AM
To: ajones@riverbankconsulting.com
Subject: You've received A Hallmark E-Card!

You have recieved A Hallmark E-Card.

Hello!

You have recieved a Hallmark E-Card.

To see it, click here,

There's something special about that E-Card feeling. We invite you to make a friend's day and send one.

Hope to see you soon,
Your friends at Hallmark

Your privacy is our priority. Click the "Privacy and Security" link at the bottom of this E-mail to view our policy.

Hallmark.com Privacy & Security Customer Service Store Locator

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you received an email like this, the safest thing to do is just delete it. If you have already clicked on the link you may have unknowingly downloaded a harmful PC virus. You should scan your PC for viruses now to check for spyware or any other malware.

If you don't have anti-virus software we recommend McAfee Security or PCSecurity Shield. Both provide great anti-virus protection at affordable prices.

Don't be a victim. Subscribe to the SecurePCNews.com monthly newsletter to learn about the latest internet and identity theft scams.

Lotteria Shop National Lottery Scam Email

2008-04-08T16:20:00.002-04:00

Could it really be the day you get to call your boss and say 'I Quit?' Sorry, not if you're calling because you think you won a lottery.

Unfortunately you did not really win the Lotteria Shop National, rather you are the target of a scam often referred to as a Lottery or Nigerian scam. Scams like this often lead to financial and identity theft. Learn more about Nigerian Scams here and learn more about identity theft here.

Following is the text of the scam email:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

-----Original Message-----
From: ringomundi_50505060@web.de [mailto:ringomundi_50505060@web.de]
Sent: 04/08/2008 1:37 PM
To: ringomundi_50505@web.de
Subject: CONGRATULAIONS YOU ARE THE WINNER!!!

CONGRATULAIONS YOU ARE THE WINNER!!!
FROM:PRIZE AWARD DEPT.
Batch No: SUTO/980/TWM/EU
Ticket No: WRNM/SMI/5990

ATTN: WINNER.

FINAL NOTICE

We wish to congratulate you over your email success in our LOTTERIA SHOP NATIONAL held on 31st of march 2008. This is a millennium scientific computer game in which email addresses were used. It is a promotional program aimed at encouraging internet users; therefore you do not need to buy ticket to enter for it. You have been approve for the star prize of 550.000.00 Euro.(five Hundred and Fifty Thousand) CONGRATULATIONS!! To claim your winning prize you are to contact the appointed agent as soon as possible for the immediate release of your winnings: CAPITAL FINANCIAL AGENT.S.L

CAPITAL FINANCIAL AGENT.S.L
Contact person: Mr.David Lopez
Madrid Spain.
Tell: 0034636920356
TEL/FAX:0034940461471
EMAIL TO ( claimoffice34@aim.com )

Batch No: SUTO/980/TWM/EU
Lottery Ref No:345/003/SP/45
Ticket No: WRNM/SMI/5990
Lucky No: 1 0-23-44-72-80
Serial N o: MUOTI/82536
Lottery Date:31st of march 2008

You must contact the appointed agent with your Full Names, Contact Telephone Numbers (Home, Office and Mobile Number and also Fax Number) via email to process the immediate payment of your prize. The Validity period of the winnings is for 30 working days hence you are expected to make your claims immediately, any claim not made before this date will be returned to the MINISTERIO DE ECONOMIA Y HACIENDA.Once again congratulations !!!

Sincerely yours,

Mrs.Tina Javier

Winning Co-ordinator, ( LOTTERIA SHOP NATIONAL)

_________________________________________________________________________
In 5 Schritten zur eigenen Homepage. Jetzt Domain sichern und gestalten!
Nur 3,99 EUR/Monat! http://www.maildomain.web.de/?mc=02214

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Any contact with the sender of this email could result in financial and identity loses. If you received an email like this, just delete it. If you have made contact with this person you may be at risk. You should immediately contact your local law enforcement agency and or financial institution for assistance if you provided ANY personal or financial information.

Don't take a chance with your credit Reputation! Get Equifax Score Watch Now!

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of identity theft visit SecurePCNews.com where you can find specific information about dealing with Identity Theft, credit card fraud and other internet and email scams like phishing.

Subscribe to the SecurePCNews Newsletter to get information like this delivered to your email inbox as well as timely important tips on protecting yourself online.

Citibank Member eMail Phishing Scam

2008-04-08T16:12:00.003-04:00

You may have received the following email fraudulently claiming to be from Citigroup financial institution. If so you are the target of an eMail Scam, commonly called a "Phishing" scam. Following the link included in the email could result in financial and identity loses. The link takes you to a 'spoofed' of fake copy of the real Citi login page. Any information you type on this screen will go directly to the fraudsters, not Citigroup.

For more information about phishing visit SecurePCNews are review the article entitled "Don't get hooked by a phisher."

Following is the text of the Scam email message:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dear CitiBank member,

This email was sent by the Citibank server to verify your e-mail address. You must complete this process by clicking on the link below and entering your account information . This is done for your protection , because some of our members no longer have access to their online access and we must verify it. To verify your e-mail address and access your bank account, click on the link below.

https://web.da-us.citibank.com/signin/citifi/verify/%?6488820019

Please fill in the required information.
This is required for us to continue to offer you a safe and risk free environment .
Thank you
Accounts Management

Citigroup Privacy Promise
Terms & Conditions
Copyright © 2008 Citicorp

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you received an email like this, the safest thing to do is just delete it. If you have already clicked on the link you may have unknowingly downloaded a harmful PC virus. You should immediately run a full virus scan to check for spyware or anyother malware.

If you don't have anti-virus or anti-spyware software, visit our online shop for a number of brands you can purchase online and download.

If you provided any information such as your online banking login information or any other personal inforation you may be at risk for fraudulent financial transactions. You should immediately contact your financial institution for assistance. For more information about email scams and how to report suspicious emails at Citigroup visit their website at http://www.citi.com/domain/spoof/learn.htm

For more information about what to do if you think you may be the victim of a phishing email visit SecurePCNews or subscribe to the SecurePCNews.com Newsletter.

Virtual Postcard Email Virus Attack

2008-03-28T14:57:00.005-04:00

Doesn't everyone liking getting an unexpected greeting card? That's certainly what the criminals who sent this email hope.

The email below says you've received a virtual greeting card but what you've really received is an attempt to place a virus on your computer.

How can you tell? Notice the link you're told to click ends in ".exe" That means that clicking this link will actually run a program on your computer. The program will install a virus on your PC. The virus might be there to steal your online banking passwords or send out SPAM emails that will look like they are coming from you. In either case, you don't want this virus on your PC.

If you've already clicked the link on this or similar emails we highly recommend getting at least a free virus scan of you PC. This can tell you if you've been infected and what you can do if you have.

The actual email is included below (link has been changed so it won't work).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
From: received@postcard.org [mailto:received@postcard.org]
Sent: 03/25/2008 7:17 PM
To: articles@riverbankconsulting.com
Subject: You have just received a virtual postcard from a friend !

You have just received a virtual postcard from a friend !

You can pick up your postcard at the following web address:

http://ubilab.sunmoon.ac.kr/xxxxxx/postcard.gif.exe

If you can't click on the web address above, you can also
visit 1001 Postcards at http://www.postcards.org/postcards/
and enter your pickup code, which is: d21-sea-sunset

(Your postcard will be available for 60 days.)

Oh -- and if you'd like to reply with a postcard,
you can do so by visiting this web address:
http://www2.postcards.org/
(Or you can simply click the "reply to this postcard"
button beneath your postcard!)

We hope you enjoy your postcard, and if you do,
please take a moment to send a few yourself!

Regards,
1001 Postcards
http://www.postcards.org/postcards

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If you received an email like this, the safest thing to do is just delete it. If you have already clicked on the link you may have unknowingly downloaded a harmful PC virus. You should scan your PC for viruses now to check for spyware or any other malware.

If you don't have anti-virus software we recommend McAfee Security or PCSecurity Shield. Both provide great anti-virus protection at affordable prices.

Don't be a victim. Subscribe to the SecurePCNews.com monthly newsletter to learn about the latest internet and identity theft scams.

The Privacy Toolbox: 100 Guides and Resources for Keeping Your Personal Information Safe

2008-03-27T16:11:00.003-04:00

Here's part of a great article recently posted on VirtualHosting.com. We've included a few of the resources here, but the full article includes 100.

Today’s online culture of banking, blogging, social networking and shopping makes it easier than ever for those with nefarious intentions to steal your personal information. Social Security numbers, credit cards and online passwords are all at risk if you don’t keep your personal information secure both online and off. While there is no way to make identity theft a non-issue, there are a number of things that you can do to help ensure that your data is as secure as it possibly can be. Here are 100 places to start researching how to keep your information away from prying eyes.

Articles

Take a moment to read these articles to get some background on identity theft and loss of personal information and learn some ways to prevent it.

Shredding Can Save You From Identity Theft: This article from Yahoo takes you through why you should shred instead of just tossing out documents as well as a list of documents that should always be destroyed.

Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number: This goverment released article helps you to learn just why you should keep your Social Security number private.
Identity Theft Exposed: This article from the AARP talks about the effect identity theft can have on the lives of the victims and the uphill battle it is to get good credit back afterwards.

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Bank Errors: Whether money is accidentally put in your account or taken out, this article can help you know what to do so your finanances and those of others remain secure.

Major Banks, Telcos Top Identity Theft Chart: This article shows that your information may not be as safe as you think, even with a corporation you think you can trust.

Mitigating Identity Theft: Schneier on Security’s Bruce Schneier dicusses the issues surrounding the increasingly common phenomenon of indentity theft and gives his opinion on the politics and technology that will grow to protect consumers.
Credit Card Fraud Keeps Growing on the Net: While most sites are perfectly secure, there are many that aren’t and are out there to steal your information. This article dicusses the growth of credit card theft on the net and the processes by which theives get your information.

5 Disposable Web Accounts to Keep Your Identity Safe: One way you can help protect your identity is by not maintaining the same information to steal from transaction to transaction. This article gives disposable alternatives, from email to phone numbers.

Consumers Afraid of Identity Theft Have a New Weapon– A Credit Freeze:
Read about a new way you can help protect your credit if you feel you might be at risk for identity theft with this article from The Business Shrink.
Your SS Number is Just a Click Away:
Here you can read about just how easy it can be for identity theives to get access to your Social Security number and what you can do to fight it.
Debit Card Thieves Get Around PIN Obstacle: You might think your PIN makes your debit card safe even if it gets stolen, but that’s hardly the case, as this article points out.

10 Extremely Useful Websites to Stop Big Brother From Snooping on You: Whether it’s the government or
someone out to get your information, most people don’t want anyone spying on what they’re doing, no matter how innocuous. This article gives you 10 different sites you can try out to help minimize this risk.
What to Do When They Ask for Your Social Security Number:
From time to time there are going to be businesses and places that you work with that will ask for your Social Security number. This article can help you learn how to handle this so your personal information stays private and secure.

Blogs

These bloggers share their opinions and concerns about maintaining personal privacy and keeping identity theives at bay.

The Privacy Blog: This blog is dedicated to addressing current issues in privacy and security. Written by Lance Cottrell, it covers topics like free speech, online privacy, identity theft and email security to help educate readers on topics they should be aware of.

Protect Personal and Financial Privacy: The name says it all, this blog is all about the issues that surround keeping your identity safe, your data secure and your financial and medical information private.

The Politics of Privacy Blog: There are many issues that surround the protection of personal data as well as an individual’s right to keep this kind of data only to themselves. This blog written by political science professor Andreas Busch discusses these issues and how they are dealt with in public policy.

Privacy and Security Law Blog: Want to know what your legal rights are about personal privacy and what laws govern the security of your information? This blog addresses these issues and more, helping you protect your rights and your information.

Ephemeral Law: This blog also addresses some of the legal issues that surround privacy and data security. Read posts about the costs of data exposure and protecting consumer privacy as well as on many other topics.

The Dunning Letter: Written by former junk mailer Jack Dunning, in this blog you’ll find information and opinions on how you can protect your most precious possession: your personal information. Dunning is now an advocate for name and data protection and can provide useful tips on how to keep your name off of junk mail lists.

ID Theft Secrets Blog: This blog is dedicated to helping consumers find the resources and information they need to protect their credit card and personal data from becoming prey to identity fraudsters. Readers will get tips on simple things they can do to avoid becoming victims.

Fight Identity Theft Blog: Here readers will find ways they can actively work to stop identity theft and protect themselves from those with ill intentions. The blog also posts on the latest news, technology and scams to watch out for.

Privacy and Identity Theft Blog: Written by Dave Jevans, this blog posts the latest in information and identity theft. Stories of what happened to others can help you ensure that the same things don’t happen to you.
Anti-Phishing Blog: This blog acts as a resource for Internet users. It lists recent phishing scams so that if you’re presented with them you’ll know what to look out for and what not to fall for.
Mark Nestman: Preserving Your Privacy and More: As the name suggests, this blog focuses on ways that individuals can protect their privacy. Posts on keeping your encrypted data safe and and protecting yourself from identity theft are interspersed with the latest news in privacy politics and law.
Digital Soapbox: For those interested in learning more about keeping their computers and online transactions secure, this blog can help provide some insight. Posts give the blogger’s personal feeling and opinions on security, risk and data protection.

What even more tools and resources? You can read the full list of 100 here:

http://www.virtualhosting.com/blog/2008/the-privacy-toolbox-100-guides-and-resources-for-keeping-your-personal-information-safe/

Join the SecurePCNews.com newsletter to learn about the latest internet and email scams.