Cyber Monday is the on-line version of Black Friday. And while the Black Friday events have their risks (overzealous crowds, thugs stealing from shoppers in parking lots, and shoppers hurting one another to secure their desired items), Cyber Monday creates an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of bargain hunters.
Our technical experts at Professional Computer Services in Roseville and Granite Bay will tell you that the most common problem their clients encounter are scams involving malware downloaded with permission from the user who responded to unsolicited pop-ups or bogus links presented in social media sites like Facebook.
“Unsolicited emails and posts that have not been authenticated are the most common way people are lured into making payments for bogus goods or services, and giving personal information that can be used to access credit accounts,” said Dennis Rhoads, PCS computer specialist a the Granite Bay store.
The FBI sent out cyber shopping tips, which feature caution in responding to any links or emails that you cannot verify as legitimate.
- Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
- Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
- Only open attachments from known senders. Always run a virus scan on attachment before opening.
- Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.
- Always compare the link in the e-mail to the web address link you are directed to and determine if they match.
- If the e-mail appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.
- If you are requested to act quickly or there is an emergency, remember fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively.
- Remember if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Parent Resources
- Parenting in the Network Culture
- Don’t be bullied by the cyber wilderness: The Authority In Me
- Sacramento FBI Office
- Professional Computer Services
(Ref:540-e)
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