“While most consumers are concerned with buying
candy to pass out to trick-or-treaters this month, cyber criminals may be
spreading computer viruses, stealing identities and ruining the spirit of
Halloween for all,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better
Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois. “As always it is
important to keep personal information private in case a scammer knocks on your
door.”
The BBB offers the following “online treats” to consumers:
Don’t trust “candy from strangers”. Finding something on the Internet
does not always make it true or good for you. Before accepting the statement or
advertisement as fact, verify that the source is reliable and, if it’s a
business, check it out first with the BBB at www.bbb.org. Since many scam artists
“spoof” email addresses to appear they’re coming from a financial institution
or an online payment service, be wary of any email requesting to verify account
information. Also, never open attachments or respond to requests for personal
or financial information from someone unknown.
Don’t be “tricked” into falling for an offer that is too good to be true. Many
emails promise outlandish rewards or monetary gifts. They might state you’ve
won a sweepstakes or that a rich businessman in a war-torn country left
millions in a foreign bank with no heirs. Here’s the trick: You can’t win a
sweepstakes you didn’t enter and there are not wealthy strangers desperate to
send you their money. These emails are phishing for your personal account
information. Beware of pop-ups advertising free downloadable software – they
may be disguising spyware or malware.
Don’t advertise that you’re away from home. Some email accounts,
especially within an organization, offer an auto responder that allows you to
create a message if you’re going to be away for an extended period of time.
While this is a helpful feature for letting contacts know you are unable to
respond right away, the Department of Homeland Security advises that you do not
provide details about your location and itinerary. Instead, use phrases such as
“I will not have access to email between [date] and [date].” If possible,
restrict recipients of this message to people within your organization or in
your address book. If the away message replies to spam, it may increase the
amount you already receive.
Don’t leave “treats” out in the open. Take steps to protect your
personal and financial data by locking your computer when you step away; using
firewalls, anti-virus software and strong passwords; installing appropriate
software updates; and taking precautions when browsing or using email. Attackers
and viruses are constantly scanning the Internet for available computers to target.
To play it safe, whenever not online, disable your Wi-Fi connection, turn off
your computer or modem, or even disconnect cables.
Don’t throw caution to the wind. Information on your computer is
vulnerable – but if you make regular backups, all is not lost in the event of
an equipment malfunction, an error or a cyber attack.
“Keep your documents in order. Check credit card
statements for suspicious activity and make sure your computer has the most
recent updates and spyware installed,” added Bernas.
For
more information on being safe online, visit www.bbb.org
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As a private, non-profit organization, the
purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace.
BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation
and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices
and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reviews on businesses
and nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or
charity before making a purchase or donation.
