Preventing Spyware and E-Card Fraud: How to Send and Receive E-Cards Safely
Electronic cards (or electronic greeting cards) have become a popular, convenient, and inexpensive method of sending greetings to friends, family, and business associates for many computer users. Currently, there are thousands of electronic card companies. E-card companies are getting more and more creative, and many include options to add audio, video, or animations to their messages. With electronic cards becoming more popular, they are now being heavily downloaded from spyware and perpetuating Internet fraud to unsuspecting users.
A legitimate-looking e-card, once clicked and / or downloaded, could actually contain spyware, spam, or a computer virus. Some examples of this include: displaying obscene images, pop-up advertisements, launching adult websites, or spoofing your email address to send e-cards to other people (making it look like they came from you).
Here are some signs of a fake e-card:
o Misspellings or misspellings of your own name.
o Errors within the card message.
o It does not recognize the sender of the card.
o The sender has a fake name like: Joe Cool or Secret Admirer.
o It comes from a strange looking URL.
Ways to avoid fake e-cards:
o If in doubt, do not open it.
o Never click on links or open attachments from an unknown source.
o Never accept the terms of any End User License Agreement without first reading the terms in fine print.
o Use antivirus software, such as StopSign Internet Security, and keep it up to date.
o Use an alternative browser, such as Mozilla Firefox. Many scams take advantage of security holes in Internet Explorer.
o Regardless of the browser you use, make sure you download all new security updates.
o Do not open any card with attached files.
There are still many legitimate e-card companies and sending e-cards can be fun. Here are some well established and reputable e-card companies:
or Blue Mountainhttp://www.bluemountain.com
o Stamphttp://www.hallmark.com
or Greeting-http://www.egreetings.com
If you’ve already accidentally opened a suspicious-looking electronic card, there are several things you can do:
o Place a fraud alert on your credit reports by calling one of the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742) and TransUnion (1 -800-680). -7289). By filing a report, you help minimize the damage that an online criminal can do.
o Keep a close eye on your financial statements. Look for inexplicable little charges around the $ 25 or $ 30 mark.
o File a police report if you suspect that your personal information has been stolen.
o Cancel any credit cards or bank accounts that you fear have been compromised.
Like any popular Internet activity, e-cards can be a potential source of spyware and / or Internet fraud. However, by following some common sense advice and being aware of the warning signs, you can help protect yourself from this new trend in cybercrime.