12.06.05
Don’t Believe Everything
Dear Mom,
This is just a quick note about some harmful emails that are going around. Remember, be careful about the emails you open and never, never, never open an attachment. What reminded me to write to you about this is a new one that started this week. Here are a few to watch out for.
1) Michael Jackson attempts to commit suicide. Click on this attachment to see details…
They are trying to get you to click on a file that will install a “trojan horse” on your computer. The term is just like it sounds. Once installed, they can actually control your computer without your knowledge.
2) Someone (usually Nigerian) says they have millions of dollars they need to get out of their country. If you will help, they will give you lots of money. Then they ask for surity from you.
This scam is probably one of the oldest ones on the Internet. The names will change and sometimes it is from a deposed “prince” or other part of the “Royal” family. It promises to give you a large sum of money if you will just put up the “front” money to get the rest out of the country.
3) From: Administrator Subject: your account…”your account is about to be suspended, please click the link to stop this from happening.
This is very similar to number 1 in that they are trying to accomplish one of two things, usually. They want you to click a link to install a “trojan horse” or they want you to follow a link to a fake website so you will enter your user name and password so they can get information about you.
4) From: your bank Subject: your account…”there are problems with your account, but we can get this resolved if you will click the link and enter your user name and password for you bank account.
Like number 3, this is usally to direct you to a website that looks just like your bank website and captures your user name and password.
5) Chain emails (just like chain letters)
Enough said here.
Mom, this is just a few of the more previlent ones that are out there and even these have variants where the wording is changed or the country is different.
So what do you do when you get one of these emails in your inbox? Delete them immediately. They are just trying to steel your money or your time, neither of which is worth the effort.
I have to run, but I will write as soon as I can.
your loving son