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* evalu8.org's Big Bomb Awards for 2008 -- the very WORST of 2007 *
"The customer is always right," went the old maxim. But I've long been wondering, when exactly did that catch-phrase get thrown out the window? When did the customer become not only always wrong, but apparently also an enormous pain in the butt? Read our Big Bomb awards to see which companies were extra-naughty in 2007.
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* Another sneaky new eBay spoof attempt *
Haven't seen any eBay spoof attempts lately, but here's one from the "new crop." They're still OUT there!
[More]
* Apartment for rent? Paris apartment rental scams exposed *
How honest consumers empower scam artists: Most on-the-level individuals can't help but harbour at least a few small fantasies about "What if I just got lucky, for once?" Unfortunately, small-time rip-off creeps take advantage of Honest Joes all too often!
[More]
* Business Professional Registry information harvesting e-mail scam *
Here's another new scam: Sign up for this "professional" association and lose your privacy!
[More]
* Deleting your 'StumbleUpon' account *
At first, I thought "StumbleUpon" sounded like a pretty good idea. But then. . .
[More]
* e-mail Scams Glossary *
Here are some terms that might help you understand the hacking-cracking-spoofing-phishing nonsense. . .
[More]
* Free BlockBuster scam *
Something for nuthin'? -- we don't THINK so!
[More]
* Free games online phishing and/or trojan scam *
All your favourite games! Free! What's the catch? Harvesting, Virus, Worm, Trojan and/or identity theft, that's what.
[More]
* Get Rich Quick phishing attempt *
Get rich quick? Or just immediately lose your identity?
[More]
* Glossary of Hacker Terms *
Here's a summary of terms used by hackers. . .
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* Greeting Card scam *
A new scam, but no less EVIL! Don't click!
[More]
* Just because the scammer is illiterate doesn't mean you should fall for it *
Don't let your guard down just because scammers appear unschooled or stupid -- they can still get you!
[More]
* L G Electronics/Yahoo free money scam *
DANG! I THOUGHT this sounded too good to be true!
[More]
* Let us harvest your eBay ID and send it to Mother Russia *
Another convincing looking message, but it's a hoax meant to harvest your sign-in info!
[More]
* Make money on You-Tube *
Easy money, right? Uh-huh. . .
[More]
* Paris apartment rental scams keep coming *
I knew we would have to be on our toes trying to rent a Paris apartment on the internet, but who could have imagined that 17 of the 18 responses we would receive in a three-week period would be complete fiction? And transparent fiction, at that!
[More]
* Prepaid MasterCard scam *
Here's another new scam: Free money, right? Yeah, RIGHT!
[More]
* Puppy adoption scam e-mail *
This has become a 'classic' e-mail scam, with many animal-living individuals falling victim to it.
[More]
* Royal Bank phish attempt *
Disabled account? Check with Royal Bank first -- this is a common ID theft scam.
[More]
* Scan and Sweep phishing scam *
Even if these hackers don't get your personal info and passwords -- at the very least -- they'll have "harvested" your e-mail and contact information!
[More]
* Sell Vista Print harvesting scam *
Legitimate Vista Print dealers do not sell via SPAM messages!
[More]
* Shaw Digital Phone: Buyer Beware (Keyes Commentary) *
Western Canada's Shaw Communications fails to deliver on its television ad promise -- and our intrepid columnist John T.D. Keyes has a few comments for Shaw's Powers-that-Be. It's a BOMB!
[More]
* Smoke Shop phishing scam *
"Bummer, dude!"
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* This eBay spoof message contains a potent virus *
Get rich quick scheme? You know better than that, don't you?
[More]
* Vantage Prepaid credit card scam *
Respondents who knee-jerk (maybe they are somewhat desperate) are exploited by these creeps.
[More]
* Well Wishers International gets its just desserts *
When we first published our exposé on Well Wishers International of Oak Ridge, TN -- and its founder, Mort Walco (AKA Walcowitz) -- we never dreamed our story would be picked up internationally by Reuters News Service! Cheaters never prosper!
[More]
* You're a member -- now confirm -- phishing scam *
You have just signed yourself up for a new website. . .or HAVE you?
[More]
* Your face is on a YouTube porn video scam *
Here's something new: A warning that purports to come from a friend or colleague about YOU in a porn video on YouTube!
[More]
* Your favourite recording artist new video scam *
Here's another new wrinkle: Your favourite recording artists has a new video that had not even be released yet! You could be the first to view it! (A strong hint: DON'T!)
[More]
*Box Office Piracy: Scandal in the High Cs -- movie studios still obsessing about Pirates . . . *
. . .and we don't mean the "of the Caribbean" kind, either.
[More]
A Classic 'Nigeria' phishing letter *
A real "classic" scam -- this one is the "Nigeria."
[More]
A job as our agent scam *
All you have to do is divulge all your personal and banking info! Get REAL! Identity theft anyone?
[More]
A little birdie told me this was a scam letter *
And that little birdie was urging me to "sing up." I tot I taw a phishing attempt, you bad puddy-tat, you!
[More]
A new kind of eBay phishing scam? *
Okay, here's finally one that MIGHT make you bite. Unfortunately, when I contacted eBay, all I got back was a format reply. The good folks at eBay really SHOULD be aware that sometimes members of the media really DO need to reach a human being!
[More]
A really scary PayPal spoof (bogus) letter *
Here's one that ALMOST made us reply -- an evil phishing attempt that suggests a new e-mail address has been added to your PayPal account. Remember to forward a copy to spoof@paypal.com.
[More]
A really scary PayPal spoof (bogus) letter (2) *
Here's one that ALMOST made us reply -- an evil phishing attempt that gives you a "unique code" (this attempt would allow the phisher to withdraw all your PayPal money or send it to a fake recipient -- IF they had really hacked into your account).
[More]
A typical eBay reply to forwarded phishing or spoof attempts (1) *
It's a good practice to send ALL suspicious e-mail that pretends to originate from eBay to spoof@ebay.com anyway, and any that supposedly comes from PayPal to spoof@paypal.com. Here's an example of the kind of reply you wll receive from the REAL eBay. . .
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A typical eBay reply to forwarded phishing or spoof attempts (2) *
It's a good practice to send ALL suspicious e-mail that pretends to originate from eBay to spoof@ebay.com anyway, and any that supposedly comes from PayPal to spoof@paypal.com. Here's an example of the first reply you should receive from the REAL eBay. . .
[More]
A very sneaky new eBay spoof attempt *
A mean-spirited message like this one pushes a lot of buttons for most honest eBayers.
[More]
Ah, yet another Nigeria scam... *
Yes, here's the latest scam letter going around from Nigeria. Instead of telling you that you can earn an exorbitant amount of money by helping the brother of the former President (or some similar nonsense), this one purports to be an order confirmation...
[More]
Alberta couple find black widow spider in grapes from Costco *
Jodie Granger had no idea when she brought home a box of grapes from the store that was giving a lift to a venomous stowaway.
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All About Phishing *
Protect yourself -- learn what phishing is all about.
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Alleged hoaxer turns herself in *
Ever since Donna Lynette Walker was a child, friends said, she has delighted in disrupting the lives of those around her.
[More]
Amazon SafeHarbor reporting procedures *
Amazon.com is a participant in the Safe Harbor program developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the European Union. You can also contact Amazon.com directly about its Safe Harbor program.
[More]
Another 'Assistance' scam letter *
Note -- even the picture is toxic: This image has been removed for security reasons.
[More]
Another bogus Citibank e-mail scam *
You might receive this bogus message whether or not you are a Citibank customer -- and clicking anywhere on the message captures your personal info -- including your MAC address and IP number.
[More]
Another e-mail bank spoof letter (U.S. Bank) *
Yet another a-mail scam letter...
[More]
Another e-mail scam claims to unlock satellite access *
Typos and syntax errors are usually a dead give-away, and this one has lots of both!
[More]
Another greed-inspired bank con letter *
My "conclussion" is: "What? Haven't these people ever heard of SpellCheck?"
[More]
Another KeyBank phishing letter *
I'm always pleased to see hackers invent a new word ("deletation") and try to trick me with it. Is it fair to say the person who wrote this either flunked high school English or speaks English as a second language?
[More]
Another recent eBay spoofing attempt *
Good-hearted and honest eBayers might just fall for this spoof letter. . .DON'T!
[More]
Anti-Phishing Working Group site *
An excellent industry-driven site dedicated to wiping out Internet Scams and Fraud.
[More]
Arafat's widow inheritance scam letter *
And this one has the nerve to assert it originates from Yasser Arafat's widow, for heaven's sake!
[More]
Arresting (and understanding the nature of) viruses and e-mail scams *
Have you ever wondered why you get spam, hoaxes and phishing e-mails? Have you ever replied to a series of porn e-mails by requesting that they remove you from their list (a sure-fire way to be CONFIRMED as a working e-mail address)?
[More]
Ask the Expert: Paid for goods never delivered *
What happens when you buy something online, and pay for it, but never receive it?
[More]
At last: The Scam that WASN'T! *
This virus warning contains loads of important info to help safeguard your computer.
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Avoid identity theft with common-sense habits *
Financial fraud is out of control. Security can't keep up with the criminals and people add to the problem because they are too trusting and casual in their use of this technology. Stop, look and listen are words you must live by if you want to protect yourself, your money and your family.
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B.C. man's $2.5-trillion tale proves a tad rich *
It's a scheme so fantastic even Hollywood would think it too far-fetched, but a Vancouver man and his accomplice face prison terms for their great U.S. bond caper.
[More]
Bancorp South phishing letter *
Would your bank request confidential information via e-mail? We think not!
[More]
Bank of America Phishing attempt *
It looks like your bank is contacting you for information...? Well, bank hoaxes are among the most common out there!
[More]
Bank of America phishing scam *
Just so no one feels left out -- now they're picking on Bank of America.
[More]
Bank of the West phishing letter *
Clearly a phishing attempt (and I am not a Bank of the West customer, which is always a reliable tip-off), this one is after your sign-in info and banking PIN.
[More]
BankOne fake fraud alert (Phishing attempt) *
This is a very clumsy attempt -- and yeah, right, like we're going to respond to you if we received it in error! What? So you can have a real e-mail address to write to? We don't think so!
[More]
Been scammed? How About if we scam you AGAIN? *
Oh, right. We guess the premise of this scam is if you bit once, you'll bite again!
[More]
Benjamin Dover scam alerts *
A guy with the unlikely (yet true) name of Ben Dover has a wonderful website of consumer scam alerts and advice.
[More]
Book copiers raided *
Bailiffs swooped on a Montreal photocopy business Wednesday and seized 2,200 illegally copied study guides and textbooks in one of the largest raids on copyright piracy in the country.
[More]
Bounty put on MyDoom creator's head *
Microsoft Corp. promised Thursday to pay $250,000 (U.S.) to anyone who helps authorities find and prosecute the author of a fast-spreading computer virus.
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Brand new ID theft phishing letter *
It's human nature to reply, so as not to be charged in error for an item you didn't order. . .
[More]
Budget Blinds spam-n-scam *
Another day, another new wrinkle in the scam follies. . .
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Caixa bank fraud phishing attempt *
Here's another new scam: Sign up for this Spanish-language bank offer, and have your identity stolen!
[More]
Capital One caught in spyware net *
We've been preaching against Capital One's unethical -- and sometimes downright illegal -- marketing activities, and finally, they've been spotlighted in a worldwide scam.
[More]
Casting call phishing attempt *
Ah, yes, your ego. Imagine being the centre of attention, like the girl pictured here. Could it happen to you? Why not open yourself up to a blatant PHISHING attempt and find out?
[More]
CIRA phishing Security Advisory *
Phishing and spoof reminder for Canadians and holders of dot-ca domains from CIRA.
[More]
Clever eBay spoof attempt *
This one is particularly deceptive. Beware!
[More]
Coke withdraws Dasani water from Britain *
Coca-Cola Co. said yesterday that it is withdrawing its Dasani bottled water from sale in Britain after finding that samples contained higher-than-permitted levels of the chemical bromate.
[More]
Complex Zimbabwe bank deposit scam letter *
Yes, you have once again been chosen to get something for nothing. Nothing but your personal banking information, that is.
[More]
Consumer problems with Capital One (Garber commentary) *
Forget this "hands in your pocket" business; it's a catchy tune, all right, but scams, problems, controversy, harassment and outright fraud are the hallmarks of Capital One's approach to consumer finance. It's a BOMB!
[More]
Correction re Saran Wrap false rumour *
In 2002, SC Johnson became aware of an e-mail that was being widely circulated,
which warned consumers about the alleged dangers of using plastics in the microwave.
[More]
Cosmos Boutique sales offer phishing letter *
This company wants to buy your product. Will you bite? (Don't: It's a scam to harvest your identity.)
[More]
Credit card security breach warning *
Canadian credit card companies are telling card holders and financial institutions to keep a close eye on all financial transactions following the security breach in the U.S. that could affect up to 240,000 Canadian Visa card holders alone.
[More]
Credit Card-processing phishing attempt *
This one offers a better rate for processing credit card payments, but -- guess what? It's a scam! Purports to come from a "Susan Balock." Don't bite!
[More]
Credit rating scam attempt *
Guard your credit rating? Be able to buy more stuff? Yeah, RIGHT!
[More]
Dangerous new phishing/scam PayPal 'dispute' letter *
Unconvincing, but you might click without thinking. . .DON'T!
[More]
Dangerous new postcard e-mail / phishing attempt *
Illiterate, certainly, but you might click without thinking. . .DON'T!
[More]
Dastardly Deeds: The Mis-adventures of Captain Copyright *
It's a bird, It's a plane...it's a conveniently censored, holier than thou, flying A-hole!
[More]
Desjardins phishing attempt *
Ce fois, en français. Ne tombez-pas!
[More]
Diet harvesting attempt *
Here's another new scam: Lose weight with god-knows-what in this new diet preparation.
[More]
Don't tell me that God is a scam artist? letter *
Now this is REALLY too much! It's one thing to try to con people, but to use the name of the Lord in vain? You are sinners, Judith and David!
[More]
EarthLink sues B.C., Alabama spammers *
EarthLink, the third-largest U.S. Internet service provider, filed a federal lawsuit yesterday against 100 e-mail spammers -- mostly based in Vancouver and Alabama -- who allegedly sent millions of unwanted commercial messages.
[More]
eBay fake security update spoofing letter *
Note incorrect spellings (like "experioence" and "maintainance") and sloppy spacing and sentence structure (as well as missing words; spelling mistakes courtesy of the author).
[More]
eBay Spoof and Phishing Reports *
SafeHarbor is eBay's comprehensive safety resource and protective arm. And where spoofs and phishing e-mails are concerned, eBay springs to action at once.
[More]
eBay Suspension spoof attempt letter *
I dink dis berson hab a code! (Updade your account?)
[More]
eBay: Account Violation of User Aggreement (spoof) *
I guess "Hello Dear Member" and the mis-spelling of "agreement" in the subject heading would be tip-offs, but a conscientious eBayer might still get stung thinking their credit card had expired.
[More]
Elisabeth von Hullessem: Dubious dinner date on eBay *
Fraudster tried to auction off a chance to dine with her and hear tall tales of crime.
[More]
Evalu8.org feedback: Paris Restaurant Rip-off *
One hapless reader and her friends had a bad dining experience at a place called La Savoyarde in Paris. . . It's a BOMB!
[More]
Fake internet coupons flooding market *
Internet forgeries prompt grocery chains to watch out for illegitimate offers: A surge in the use of counterfeit Internet coupons has prompted some grocers to refuse accepting the money-saving offers, sending a chill through the ranks of consumers anxious to save money.
[More]
Fake Tsunami Relief Canvasser Targets Burnaby Businesses *
The Salvation Army has just been notified of a fraudulent canvasser in the Burnaby area. Business and homeowners are asked to be on alert.
[More]
Family Feature Films scam *
Enjoy talking to a machine? Being interrupted during your busy day? Not being able to hang-up on these guys? We thought not!
[More]
FBI arrests suspect in Net-virus case *
Minnesota teen charged with unleashing damaging version of the 'Blaster' worm
[More]
February is Fraud Prevention Month *
Time to put a stop to online scams, spoofs, phishing and fraud,
[More]
Fight The Patent *
If you own a website that offers any audio/video downloads, you could be sued...
[More]
Finally -- a CANADIAN phishing attempt *
We were wondering when the phishing A-holes would get around to targeting Canadians. The usual, ho-hum. Links have been disabled for your protection -- do NOT attempt to reply!
[More]
Five password bruteforcing attempts eBay phishing e-mail *
"attems"? "beeing"? These guys are REAL amateurs! Beeing="Buzzzz."
[More]
For on-line fraud, an old Irish solution *
One of the toughest hurdles in creating a consumer-oriented on-line business is developing trust.
[More]
Fraud Prevention Measures -- a classic scam letter *
Fewer spelling mistakes, to be sure, but a scam by any other name. . .would still stink.
[More]
Fraud reveals inner workings of Internet theft *
The electronic trail of a thief's on-line alias indicated an affinity for the dark side. Here's an insider's view of the cracker's world.
[More]
Free Cable on 'Dish Network' -- Guess again (it's a scam) *
A little research reveals that this is a scam, supplying you some access -- and it isn't entirely legal, either.
[More]
From Dr. Henry Makumba....Barclays Bank Ltd.....I need your urgent respond (Phishing) *
These phishers even do you the courtesy of hinting at their fraud in the return address: barclays_frd@walla.com.
[More]
From Henry Ossai (Inheritance Claim) scam letter *
Another stupid, long-winded inheritance scam. Just don't!
[More]
FTC urges computer users to block spam *
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and regulatory agencies in 26 countries warned hundreds of thousands of computer users Thursday they were unwittingly helping people who send floods of unwanted e-mail.
[More]
Ghana inheritance scam letter (beware--ALL CAPS) *
Here's yet another one, yet they seem always impressive in their detail. Imagine spending this much time writing a 'bad' letter!
[More]
Ghana insurance scam phishing letter *
For some reason you are the recipient of a small fortune. All you have to do is give these thieves a chance to clean out your bank account first! This one is not from Nigeria, but Ghana. And a doctor, honey, a DOCTOR!
[More]
Giant-killers take on Rogers over billing and security policies *
Lawyer Susan Drummond and her husband Harry Gefen -- a technology journalist -- have become unwitting experts on how Canadian consumers can take on corporate giants.
[More]
GoDaddy phishing attempt *
Very tricky, as if they get into your GoDaddy account, they can actually redirect income you might earn from affiliates. Don't be susceptible.
[More]
Gold credit card scam attempt *
Another credit card offer? Sign up only if your security and identity are worthless to you. . .
[More]
Google Blog Good; Katrina rip-offs bad *
Alexa.com's Geoffrey Mack shares some thought on Blogs and Disaster Vultures. . .
[More]
Grist Mill investment scam letter *
Do they figure they are giving you a fighting chance not to be stupid, by referring to 'Grist for the Mill?'
[More]
Hackers can control your PC -- and you won't even know it *
Computer security experts estimate that tens of millions of personal computers are infected with malicious software. Such programs -- generally classified as malware -- attack companies along with consumers.
[More]
Hackers caught by FBI jailed over global virus *
British computer hackers who helped to spread a global virus have been jailed.
[More]
Hackers step up e-commerce attacks *
E-commerce was the most targeted sector for computer attacks during the first half of this year, and there is growing evidence that there may be a shift toward hackers being motivated by economic gain instead of notoriety, warns a report on Internet security to be released today.
[More]
Hang Seng Bank mystery deposit scam letter *
This time, it's Hong Kong's prestigious Hang Seng Bank. If these guys put as much effort into an actual job, instead of crafting these cons, they'd be way ahead.
[More]
Health-card probe leads to potential fraud cases *
A probe into a health-card scam in Quebec found enough "troubling" evidence to pursue the investigation into numerous potential fraud cases, according to a preliminary report.
[More]
Hello Delhi: Dell job opportunity scam *
Slicker than most, this phishing attempt might appeal to some, but beware!
[More]
Hoax: Please update your account details with Citibank (another scam e-mail) *
Do not reply to this message or one like it. It is a hoax, designed to acquire your private information and/or password.
[More]
Hoax: Update Your Citi ATM Card PIN Now! *
Subject line: Update Your Citi ATM Card PIN Now!
Sub-head: Citi Identity Theft Solutions
[More]
Home-based vacancies. Flexible shedule, high wages - U.S. company is looking for candidates (Phishing) *
Different subject lines -- same scam. Beware! No jobs here!
[More]
How Gmail handles spoofing and phishing attempts *
Google is currently testing a service designed to alert Gmail users to messages that appear to be phishing attacks. . .
[More]
Identify theft -- a new e-mail scam *
A new e-mail scam going the rounds. . .
[More]
Identity theft -- and what you can do about it *
Identity theft is all over the news these days as one of the fastest-growing forms of crime in the World. Estimations have been that more than 10 million US citizens (along with three million Canadians) become victims of identity fraud every year. Info session: August 2, 2005, Surrey, BC.
[More]
Install-a-worm-now scam *
Yikes! Just HOW stupid (and gullible) do these bad dudes think we are? VERY stupid, apparently. DANGER, Will Robinson!
[More]
Internet self-CPR advice won't help *
Experts dismiss circulating e-mail that tells people to cough vigorously until help arrives if they suffer a heart attack alone.
[More]
Is this a flair for fictions? *
A mysterious blond organizer of an allegedly bogus writers' conference is alleged to have other secrets, some of which made it into her novel.
[More]
Jayson Blair: 'I lied and I lied...' *
Former New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, in a memoir about his career at the newspaper, admits making up stories and describes his extensive substance abuse, saying some of his best work was "inspired by drug-fuelled writing."
[More]
Job Scam: Michael Grizla and BTA Oil & Gas *
Ah, yet another job offer where you do nothing and get paid the big bucks! Don't bite!
[More]
Karen Grant inheritance scam letter *
Here's a particularly despicable hoax letter, playing up your sympathy toward a dying woman, religious obligation and greed. Needless to say, don't bite.
[More]
Kevin Chen job offer scam *
Sign here, we'll sell your identity, and you're the sucker.
[More]
Key 'Support' phishing letter *
Clearly a phishing attempt (and I am not a Key Bank customer, so there's no doubt), this one is after your sign-in info and banking PIN. Don't bite!
[More]
KIND REGARDS FROM LARISA SOSNITSKAYA (Phishing) *
The usual spelling and syntax mistakes point out the fraud herein.
[More]
Last Wish Karen Grant scam feedback *
This too-low-to-be-true scam letter has caught a few suckers. Don't be one of them!
[More]
Late Manfred Becker's Inheritance phishing letter *
Yes, here's the latest scam letter going around, purporting to be from some stranger in distress. Unlike others, this one doesn't tell you much of a story, but gets right to the point of "qualifying" respondents -- which is to say that if you reply. . .gotcha!
[More]
Latest Charter One Bank scam letter *
Direct and to-the-point, this one's still a scam! Click ANYWHERE on the message, and you're in deep doo-doo.
[More]
Latest Citibank phishing letter (it’s a fake!) *
Here’s another e-mail letter designed to acquire your personal sign-in info for Citibank in the U.S.
[More]
Latest eBay phishing letter *
Of COURSE this is not from eBay, so you know what to do if you receive one: Forward a copy at once to: spoof@ebay.com.
[More]
Latest PayPal spoof (bogus) letter *
Another day, another phoney PayPal spoofing letter! No, we're not buying this one. Remember to forward a copy to spoof@paypal.com.
[More]
Lavasoft reveals: The Next Generation of Spam *
Spam. We find it in our inboxes everyday, in growing numbers. It creeps into instant messages, blogs, forums, and any other channels of communication that have the potential to be profitable for cyber thieves. And if current trends continue, we may be in store for rising levels of assault.
[More]
Local eBay problem with seller *
One of our faithful readers is having a dire eBay problem, which has resulted in her having qualms about dealing with eBay at all. She is even (justly) concerned about her personal safety.
[More]
London Textiles identity phishing scam *
Here's another new scam: Sign up for this money-laundering scheme and lose your identity!
[More]
Lonely Rosy phishing scam *
You will see many dozens of variations on this theme: I'm sitting in a café, I found your name (how, we wonder?), I'm lonely, blah-blah-blah. Don't bite.
[More]
Malaysia seizes pirated Star Wars DVDs *
Police in Malaysia have seized half-a-million pirated DVDs, according to the country's information ministry.
[More]
MalWare attacks on Small Businesses increase *
Ad-aware is a free spyware removal utility that scans your memory, registry, and hard drives for known spyware components and lets you remove them safely.
[More]
MasterCard offer scam *
If your credit is already bad, don't make it worse by responding to this harvesting scam.
[More]
Microsoft puts limits on updates to fight piracy *
Microsoft Corp. is stepping up its campaign against piracy with a program that requires Windows users to show their copy of the operating system is authentic before they can receive many online software updates.
[More]
MIKASA store-closing sale Rip-off *
A store-closing sale has been announced, that is one of the most shabby attempts to capitalize on a downsizing that I've ever seen!
[More]
Millersmiles Spoof & Phishing Report site *
The home of the internet's biggest archive of Spoof Email and Phishing Scams -- and a great resource for checking fraudulent e-mails or anything that looks suspicious.
[More]
Money transfers fail to reach destination *
Dozens in Ontario Punjabi community allege fraud by foreign-exchange firm
[More]
Monster dot com job offer phishing letter *
In the case of anything mentioning Monster.com, send to siteabuse@monster.com.
[More]
More about spoof and phishing e-mails *
Another friend-of-the-consumer, helping to protect you (and spread the word) about e-mail scams, spoofs and phishing expeditions.
[More]
Move Yor Money Inc. (Phishing from Germany) *
These people can't even spell their OWN name right in the subject line.
[More]
Mrs. Nuchoni Yaoprasirth (Thailand/UAE) bank scam letter *
Honestly, this is not the way to get rich quick. Just another scam, of course.
[More]
Mystery Shopper harvesting attempt *
Here's another new scam: Sign up for this "job" as a mystery shopper and lose your privacy!
[More]
Netsky.B could be pesky, virus experts say *
A new virus called Netsky.B surfaced Wednesday, travelling quickly enough to earn a medium-risk rating from virus makers.
[More]
new Bank of America scam letter *
If you "visit the following ling" (as they suggest), you are ligely ginda grazy!
[More]
New Bank of the West Phishing letter *
Another phat phishing scam. Don't bite!
[More]
New eBay 'spoof' e-mail scam *
This is an example of a scam e-mail, designed to capture your eBay ID and login information. If you get a note like this one, do not reply to it!
[More]
New inheritance scam letter *
In the same category as the "you have just won a lottery" scam note, this one aims to get your personal banking information. Make no mistake: This is a scam!
[More]
New July eBay spoof letter *
This is a scam designed to acquire your personal sign-in info for eBay.
[More]
New KeyBank phishing letter *
This recent scam letter purports to be from KeyBank. Notice the misspelled "its" in the very first line.
[More]
New Korean variation on the 'Nigeria' e-mail money scam *
Do NOT reply to this e-mail, should you receive one...Subject line is "From the JANG family."
[More]
New PayPal phishing e-mail *
Remember to forward a copy to spoof@paypal.com, if you receive one.
[More]
New PayPal phishing letter *
Yes, here's the latest scam letter going around, purporting to be from PayPal. Note: Do not click on any links in this message!
[More]
New PayPal phishing scam *
Good Grief! They can barely read-and-write in English, yet they've got the chutzpah to send out these illiterate phishing attempts!
[More]
New worm threatens Windows 2000 computers *
A fast-moving computer worm has shut down numerous computers running Windows 2000 software across the U.S. and the world, with major companies including ABC, CNN, The New York Times, Caterpillar, Chrysler and Disney being affected by the worm or its variants Tuesday.
[More]
Newest scam offers to 'Unlock 1000+ TV Channels on your PC' *
A little research reveals that this is a scam, supplying you some TV downloads, but not actual thousand-channel TV access.
[More]
Nisshin Steel job scam *
Another too-good-to-be-true job scam letter. . .
[More]
Oink Dot Com Lottery Scam *
Phishing or spoof, we call this "A big fat scam designed to get your banking info"
[More]
PayPal e-mail infected *
A computer virus that camouflages itself as a message from PayPal has started spreading among home users, antivirus companies said on Friday.
[More]
PayPal phishée lettre essayer de scamme (en français; English-language version of warning) *
Un nouveau lettre essayer de scamme phishée; duper la lettre de phishing en français. Prendre garde!
[More]
PayPal phishée lettre essayer de scamme (French-language version) *
Vous avez un compte de PayPal et une « mise à jour » est exigée ? Deviner encore, la bonne poire !
[More]
PayPal phishing attempt with REALLY bad spelling *
"Please do not reply to this e-mail. . . " Well, Duh! No, we're not buying into this one, either.
[More]
PayPal spoof attempt *
You have a PayPal account and an "update" is required? Guess again!
[More]
PayPal spoof attempt -- survey *
You have a PayPal account and an "easy survey" will grant you eighty bucks? For almost no effort? Yeah, right!
[More]
PC SpeedScan phishing attempt *
Here's another new scam: Sign up for this computer "protection" scheme and lose your identity!
[More]
Personal 'reading' harvesting attempt *
Just because your heart is full and pure doesn't mean you are invulnerable to greedy scam artists. . .
[More]
Phishing attempt en français *
At last: A real "Nigeria-type" phishing attempt en français.
[More]
Phishing on rise: Study *
New research published Tuesday by Gartner indicates that illegal access to chequing accounts, often gained via technology-borne schemes such as "phishing," is now the fastest growing form of consumer theft in the United States.
[More]
Pirates steal NEC's identity *
NEC Corp. has been the victim of a large-scale piracy ring that sold both counterfeit NEC goods as well as NEC-branded products that the company does not even manufacture, it acknowledged on Friday.
[More]
Police charge man who posed as MD *
Members of Sri Lankan community urged to come forward if they dealt with accused
[More]
PosteItaliane Fake you-got-money letter *
We are not fluent in Italian, but we get the gist: Reply to this and risk identity theft!
[More]
Preventing Identity Theft *
There are thieves on the Internet who will try to steal your sensitive information. Don't make it easy for them.
[More]
Protect Your PayPal Account (Spoof warning) *
Recently, PayPal members have reported suspicious-looking e-mails and fake websites. Here's what to do if you receive a 'fake' e-mail.
[More]
Psychic Brianna junk-mail letter *
Okay, now my thinking on this one is that if she were really psychic. . .she'd KNOW I'm not interested! Verdict: Junk mail.
[More]
Purpose money credit card scam *
Your name just happened to come up and you are offered a credit card, even though you KNOW you're a bad risk? Wrong, wrong, wrong!
[More]
RCMP investigate alleged turkey-tampering *
The Mounties are investigating a Christmas turkey-tampering scare in the Vancouver area.
[More]
Rebecca Abdumalik phishing letter *
Another one! And the fun keeps on coming! At least here, you get the full song-and-dance story. But these sinners even have the gall to try to guilt-trip your Christian conscience.
[More]
Regions bank / Bank of the West 'update' phishing letter *
This is a phishing attempt (and I am not a Regions Bank customer, of course, so they struck out with me), targeting your sign-in info and banking PIN.
[More]
Regions Bank phishing letter *
Clearly a phishing attempt (and I am not a Regions Bank customer, of course, so they struck out with me), this one is after your sign-in info and banking PIN. Note that this entire message is a gif file; clicking on it anywhere will take you to the phishing site.
[More]
Register.com's threatening renewal notice *
Now, tell me if you think I'm out of line, here, dear reader, but doesn't the tone -- and even the wording -- of this note from Register.com sound threatening? It's a BOMB!
[More]
Reporter fabricated stories, USA Today finds *
USA Today has found that former star foreign correspondent Jack Kelley made up substantial portions of at least eight stories and plagiarized numerous quotes and other material from competing publications.
[More]
Request for job phishing letter *
Pathetic attempt -- don't get caught! Another Sydney Car Centre job scam.
[More]
Romantic harvesting attempt *
Imagine using romance to harvest your personal information. Pathetic!
[More]
Ronda Sharpe job-scam phishing attempt *
You might fall for this one because it's fairly sophisticated. But . . . don't.
[More]
Royal Bank of Canada's response to spoofing and phishing attempts *
Should you ever consider that a suspicious e-mail message regarding Royal Bank or RBC Financial Services might be legit, send it directly to information.security@rbc.com.
[More]
Russian Job-phishing scam *
Need a job? Avoid this "offer."
[More]
Scotiabank e-mail scam letter *
This is an example of a scam e-mail, designed to capture your computer's IP number. If you get a note like this one, do not reply to it!
[More]
Second Fake Tsunami Relief Canvasser Targets Burnaby Businesses *
The Salvation Army has just been notified of a second fraudulent canvasser in the Burnaby area. Business and homeowners are asked to be on alert.
[More]
Shop talk -- Books about the Shopping Condition *
Already the stores are full of Christmas offerings, but as RYAN BIGGE writes, not everyone loves to shop till they drop.
[More]
Shopping online safely *
Good deals, convenience and choices abound on the Internet. But before you use all the Internet has to offer, be cyber-smart and make your online experience safe.
[More]
So-called 'Botmaster' admits infecting 250,000 computers *
Security consultant admits to hijacking PCs to use in crimes.
[More]
SofaSoGood? SofaBed NOT so Good! *
A disgruntled consumer does the right thing: She spreads the word on a creepy salesman who treated her rudely and tried to rip her off! It's a BOMB!
[More]
South Africa Export Promotion Council windfall swindle letter *
For some inexplicable reason you are again the recipient of a small fortune. All you have to do is give these thieves a chance to clean out your bank account first!
[More]
South Africa Export Promotion scam letter *
Yet another long-winded scam letter, but this one is a little more articulate than most. . .
[More]
SouthTrust phishing letter *
This one is designed to acquire your personal sign-in and passwords for your SouthTrust bank card. We especially enjoyed the warning not to try to access your account after you have given complete strangers your personal sign-in info. Yeah, right! We guess this is to allow the crooks ample time to empty out your account. As IF!
[More]
Soy candles work scam *
Work-at-home? This one's a scam.
[More]
Spam tolerance growing, study shows *
We're not any less annoyed by spam. We're just more accepting of it.
[More]
Spoof e-mail SunTrust Cardmember Account Issue *
This one is designed to acquire your personal sign-in and passwords for your SunTrust bank card.
[More]
Spyware cures may cause more harm than good *
Web surfers battling "spyware" face a new problem: so-called spyware-killing programs that install the same kind of unwanted advertising software they promise to erase.
[More]
Stalker invisible, court told *
Two months after police began investigating reports that someone was stalking Dar Heatherington, her husband began worrying that she was hiding something.
[More]
SunTrust Alerts - Unauthorized Account Access *
This one is designed to acquire your personal sign-in and passwords for your SunTrust bank card. It pretends to be from SunTrust's Cardmember Account services -- and it is one of the more common "phishing" scams online today.
[More]
Suspected hackers arrested in UK, U.S. *
Authorities say the two UK men are part of an international hacking group called "Thr34t Krew." This group unleashed an Internet worm known as the "TK worm" that infected about 18,000 computers around the world and caused £5.5 million ($9 million) in damages, according to the NHTCU.
[More]
Sydney Car Centre job scam *
We guess because cars are expensive, the thinking here is you'll be caught by your own greed to make big commissions. Don't bite!
[More]
Syfer-tech job offer scam *
Sounds good, right? WRONG! Don't reply, this is just another phishing attempt.
[More]
Synthetic Global Exports job offer phishing letter *
Your name just happened to come up and you got a great no-effort job? Guess again, sucker!
[More]
T. M. Lewin Job Offer Scam *
Appallingly bad spelling and what sounds like a job too good to be true are the tip-offs to this stupid scam!
[More]
TD Canada Trust phishing scam *
Even if these creeps don't get your personal info and passwords -- at the very least -- they will have "harvested" your e-mail and contact information! Do not respond.
[More]
Tech Tips and Tricks: Identity theft FAQs (American focus) *
A 2003 U.S. Federal Trade Commission survey showed that over a one-year period, nearly 10 million people -- or 4.6 per cent of the adult population -- had discovered they were victims of some form of identity theft.
[More]
Tech Tips and Tricks: Protect Your Identity From Theft (American resources and fixes) *
It only takes a few seconds to become a victim of financial fraud. But it often takes months to recover.
[More]
Tech Tips and Tricks: What is Phishing? *
Phishing involves the use of e-mail messages that appear to come from your bank or another trusted business, but are actually from impostors.
[More]
Teddy Rollins job offer scam *
Yet another job offer from that notorious 'Sydney Car Centre.' Answer at your peril!
[More]
Telus abuse (of its own customers) continues, unabated *
“Telus abuse” is aptly named, only what they don’t tell you is that you, the customer will be the party subject to the “abuse”. . . It's a BOMB!
[More]
The 'Get you too?' work-from-home job scam *
Remember: Even replying or asking to be removed from their lists will get your name onto e-mail lists -- so just throw it away -- DO NOT REPLY!
[More]
The BBB's Wise Consumer newsletter *
The Better Business Bureau provides an excellent newsletter to help warn consumers of shady deals and rip-offs -- including one scam pretending to be from the BBB!
[More]
The Free Lotto Company Jackpot Winner scam letter *
Again, with the winning! And the scamming! And the attempts to get your personal banking info! Will it never stop? Ah, yes, you can choose not to respond.
[More]
The Savvy Consumer: Be wary when shopping online *
When a deal sounds too good to be true -- as the Better Business Bureau always reminds us -- it probably is.
[More]
The war on credit card fraud *
An increased industry focus on fraud prevention has reduced 2005 fraud losses for Visa, MasterCard and American Express by 10 per cent from $223 million in 2004, but the good-guy, bad-guy battle in security one-up-man-ship continues.
[More]
This message is NOT from evalu8.org *
It seems that as soon as a website begins to carry virus and spam’n’scam warnings (as we do, of course), it also attracts a certain amount of flak. . .
[More]
This week’s variation on the 'Nigeria' e-mail money scam *
This latest Spam-and-Scam letter is making the rounds. Again, this one is better written than most, but you should still not reply to it; it IS a scam!
[More]
THOMAS LAWSON Dubai fake inheritance e-mail *
This time, it's from Dubai. Again, with the long-winded story! Note that though he invokes "god," he has chosen to push the "Muslim" button by mentioning Muslim countries to which he has donated. A scam, of course.
[More]
Today's Citibank phishing letter (nice try) *
This one is designed to acquire your personal sign-in and passwords for your Citibank bank card.
[More]
Today's windfall scam letter *
"Please use my personal e-mail address for reply, or -- why waste time? -- Just send me all your money now!" (Do the words "Yeah, right" mean anything to you, buddy?
[More]
Tom Cruise promotes War of Words (without ever mentioning War of Worlds) *
Scientologist says psychiatric drugs are unnecessary; doctors counter by describing worried calls from patients.
[More]
Treat as urgent (Phishing) *
Not as long-winded as some, but still fraud. But hey -- they don't even bother to personalize THIS one.
[More]
TREAT AS URGENT AND CONFIDENCIAL scam letter *
Another scam that -- like most of 'em -- plays on the recipient's greed. (Copious) spelling mistakes, courtesy the author, not us!
[More]
Trojan spyware suspects arrested as major industrial espionage scandal emerges *
For all those webmasters who ridicule the idea of a virus enabling a hacker to "log keystrokes," here's a story that will curdle their blood: A London-based Israeli couple are at the centre of one of the world's largest industrial espionage and computer hacking scandals. And yes, says one source: "We think the Trojan had the ability to log keystrokes."
[More]
Tsunami inheritance scam letter *
Always impressive, though, that these stories are so detailed.
[More]
Type at home scam *
Easy money? Think again.
[More]
U.S. Bank -- today's newest e-mail scam variation *
This one -- which pretends to be from U.S. Bank -- is designed to acquire your personal sign-in and passwords.
[More]
U.S. court blocks record industry move *
The recording industry can't force Internet providers to identify music downloaders, a federal appeals court said Friday in a major setback to the industry's anti-piracy campaign.
[More]
Uawithya job opportunity scam *
Remember folks: When it sounds too good to be true . . it probably IS.
[More]
Union Bank of California phishing letter *
Interestingly enough, in this attempt, they have NEARLY replicated the 'real' link, https://www.confirm-uboc.com. But where their link actually leads is to http://www.confirm-uboc.com -- not the secure link you might think it is.
[More]
Up north, anonymous reviewers revealed *
'Reviewers' who sign their critiques only as “a reader from (fill in the city)” lost their anonymity this week when their identities were revealed on Amazon.com's Canadian website, Amazon.ca. (At least the reviews are genuine and unbiased on evalu8.org!
[More]
Update and Verify Your PayPal account phishing e-mail *
Record-breaking bad spelling in this one! I'd like to "belive" in the fantasy world these guys are in! I particularly like the use of the words "choise" and "temporally."
[More]
Update your Online Banking Records phishing letter *
Ah, HERE's a tricky one: It claims to display a broken picture icon, and a message about displaying the graphic. Clicking on either graphic or the prompt line takes you away to a phisher site!
[More]
URGENT - E-gold account frozen - Please Read (phishing attempt) *
Another phony-baloney letter, this time purporting to come from E-gold. (Wonderfully creative spelling of "apriciate" near the end of this letter!)
[More]
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority: 41 Vancouver eateries censured by inspectors *
Health violations found in Vancouver restaurants include cockroaches, rodents
[More]
Virginia Credit scam *
Did your bank send you a message? We think NOT.
[More]
Virus alert -- some keywords to watch out for *
Here are some of the current viruses attacking computers...
[More]
Washington Mutual phishing e-mail *
This phoney phishing letter takes your personal information, even if you don't enter it! A real no-no.
[More]
Watch OUT for Kim's Jewellers & Watchmakers -- it's a rip-off *
Perhaps this has happened to you: You take your item to a trusted service outlet -- a drycleaners, a repair shop, a car service place for an oil change -- and when you pick up your item, it is not working as expected. Or worse, it was working before, and now, something is definitely wrong with it! It's a BOMB!
[More]
Web-scam suspect arrested *
Toronto police have arrested a suspect also wanted by York Regional Police in connection with an Internet scam that asked victims to wire large sums of money to an account in Nigeria.
[More]
Well Wishers International exposed for ripping off travel agents *
AAA Travel agents in the U.S. were unaware how they were being short-changed (and over-charged) by Tennessee-based Well Wishers International . . . until now.
[More]
Well, whaddaya know -- a bank scam with a twist *
I love the subliminal "warning" almost hidden in this message: "Only this company is responsible for all illegal e-mail activity, for example SPAM." But if you REALLY want to amuse yourself, imagine it was written by Boris (of Boris-and-Natasha / Rocky-and-Bullwinkle fame): "Ve must get sk-virrel und mooze," and read it with a fake Russian accent! I'm also very partial to the use of the word "establisned," and the really charmingly damaged syntax throughout. A keeper!
[More]
What price an identity? *
Identity theft cost U.S. consumers and businesses $53-billion last year, the Federal Trade Commission says in the most comprehensive government study of the increasing problem.
[More]
williamestore phishing letter *
Too cheap to even register their website name. They'll probably use YOUR money for start-up expenses. A scam? We think so!
[More]
Winning lottery phishing letter *
Ah. . .your classic prey-on-greed, foreign-source, lottery-winner phishing attempt. Beware! If you ask yourself "what have I got to lose?" ...Well it isn't money, not yet, anyway. But it soon will be money, as they will reel you in, snag your banking info, and clean you out.
[More]
Yahoo, LG Electronics scam *
Won a lottery? Here's your prize -- reply, and we'll steal your identity.
[More]
Yet another job-offer scam *
Easy money? Believe us, YOU'll be the one who pays!
[More]
Yet another job-scam phishing attempt *
This one offers a painless job for lots of money, but guess what? It's a scam.
[More]
Yet another variation on the 'Nigeria' e-mail money scam *
This latest Spam-and-Scam letter is making the rounds. Again, this one is better written than most, but you should still not reply to it; it IS a scam!
[More]
You have won (yeah, right!) *
You've won a U.K. lottery but you must contact India? We think NOT!
[More]
You've won something incredible (or not) *
The idea of this particular scam (at least from the purps'point of view) is to acquire your banking info and PIN.
[More]
Your lucky day? -- we think NOT! *
Your name just happened to come up and you will get a share of millions? Guess again, sucker!
[More]
Your monthly eBay Invoice is now available for online viewing (spoof) *
eBay does indeed send out notices like this, but this one is clearly fraudulent. . .beware!
[More]
Yours Best Jobs clumsy harvesting attempt *
Whether respondents are motivated by greed -- or need -- innocent (if somewhat naïve) consumers are exploited by these creeps every day.
[More]
Secondary Sites:
'Time-traveller' busted for insider trading *
Urban myth? Or true story? You decide...
[More]
Academic admits to profane hoax on literary rival *
A biographer of English poet Sir John Betjeman has confessed to writing a hoax love letter that duped a rival author, a British newspaper reported Sunday.
[More]
Chinese Potter goes on sale early *
The Chinese-language publisher of the latest Harry Potter adventure said on Thursday that it is rushing the book into stores this weekend ahead of schedule, hoping to thwart pirates who are selling badly translated copies.
[More]
Copyright litigation is threatening innovation *
As unlikely as it sounds, the most important issue in new technology has become copyright law.
[More]
Hackers share new tools *
Security researchers on Tuesday detected hackers distributing software to break into computers using flaws announced last week in some versions of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system.
[More]
Hang Seng Bank scam letter *
Do you ever wonder how many people actually DO fall for these hoaxes? At a least a few people must fall victim to them, or why would scam artists keep sending them?
[More]
Hollywood preaches anti-piracy to schools *
As part of its campaign to thwart on-line music and movie piracy, Hollywood is now reaching into school classrooms with a program that denounces file-sharing and offers prizes for students and teachers who spread the word about Internet theft.
[More]
I am JFK's love child, B.C. man says *
A little digging by evalu8.org researchers has shown that the purported Kennedy scion may well be the same man tied to the clan two years ago.
[More]
Internal theft is toughest piracy issue facing record companies *
The music recording industry may have a legitimate beef with copyright pirates, but there's one kind of pirate it doesn't like to mention very often: itself.
[More]
Internet piracy growing *
Counterfeit software sales over the Internet are reaching epidemic proportions, and the reasons are obvious...
[More]
Kazaa turns tables on labels *
Turning the tables on record labels, makers of the most popular Internet song-swapping network are suing entertainment companies for copyright infringement.
[More]
Man sues on-line auction firm over John Lennon album *
The former owner of the album that John Lennon autographed for his assassin just before he was killed is suing the Internet auction company that sold it, claiming the firm has not paid him any of the money he is owed.
[More]
Microsoft red-faced over new Windows flaw *
Just moments before a top Microsoft executive told U.S. Congress about efforts to improve security, the company warned customers Wednesday of serious new flaws that leave its flagship Windows software vulnerable to Internet attacks remarkably similar to the Blaster virus that infected hundreds of millions of computers last month
[More]
Poll shows huge support for GMO labelling *
An overwhelming majority of Canadians thinks that the government has provided insufficient information about genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food and believes that all foods containing GMOs should be labelled as such.
[More]
Record industry to target uploaders *
Large-scale file swappers may face litigation, but downloading for personal use not CRIA's main concern.
[More]
Second arrest made in worm attack *
Investigators have made a second arrest in connection with the "Blaster" computer worm, and the latest suspect is another juvenile accused of creating a variant of the worm.
[More]
Singapore to blacklist unethical retailers *
The Singapore Tourism Board is threatening to blacklist retail outlets that overcharge or sell fake goods to tourists.
[More]
SOCIAL STUDIES -- Monday, February 23, 2004 *
A DAILY MISCELLANY OF INFORMATION BY MICHAEL KESTERTON
[More]
Software teaches children Net safety *
Vancouver-designed computer game aimed at predators who use chat rooms
[More]
Spammers strike back! *
A new computer virus is spamming the very people dedicated to fighting junk e-mail.
[More]
U.S. and Pakistani officials deny report that bin Laden captured *
Pentagon and Pakistani officials on Saturday denied an Iranian state radio report that Osama bin Laden was captured in Pakistan's border region with Afghanistan "a long time ago."
[More]
U.S. drug boycott threat called 'ridiculous' *
It's inconceivable that multinational drug companies will stop shipping pharmaceuticals to Canada as part of a political battle to break the back of Canadian Internet pharmacies that supply American consumers, industry sources say.
[More]
U.S. warns of co-ordinated hacking 'contest' *
The U.S. government and private technology experts warned yesterday that hackers plan to attack thousands of Web sites Sunday in a loosely co-ordinated "contest" that could disrupt Internet traffic.
[More]
Zone Alarm Warning Reminder (Zone Alarm is Free) *
ZoneAlarm offers a free (and highly effective) firewall program you can down load from download.com, or from their own site. The free software is quite adequate for the home computer user. Read their warning note...
[More]
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