This article was published in the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter.
Don’t get “hooked” by Internet Scams!
by Lorri Nevil, KaelinWeb.com
For many years, unscrupulous businesses and people have practiced what is called “phishing” via internet email. Phishing is basically “throwing the line in the water to see what you get to respond”, JUST like real fishing. More prevalent these days are emails regarding your banking, credit cards, PayPal account, ebay account and more. Most of the time people can catch them because they are not true (i.e. Come update your WAMU account because someone has tried to break into your account – but you don’t have a WAMU account). These scammers attempt to play on one of three things; fear (your account has been compromised), greed (answer our survey on how we are doing and you will get 1,000.00) or flat out attempts to disguise a typical email you MIGHT receive from your bank (It’s been 3 months – please log in and change your password).
This makes many people fearful of doing business via Internet because they are afraid they will get caught up in a scam, but being aware will keep you safe.
There are many things that your financial entity will not ask you to do – and if you do question the validity of one of these emails, go directly to the website (not through the email) and check there. Always log in through the main website, make sure that the address URL (http://www or https:www) along with the real domain name is showing. Some sneaky thieves will attempt to disguise themselves to LOOK real by creating a subdomain (i.e. paypal.imascammer.com/login) –of course, imascammer.com won’t be that blatant.
Here are some simple “dont's”:
- Never provide any personal information that has been solicited (social security number, mother’s maiden name, account numbers, passwords, debit/credit card numbers) because these are the typical things that are asked for to “verify” your identity. (Also be aware that these thieves actually sometimes make phone calls attempting to do this.)
- Never click on a link you have received in a suspicious email.
- If you are not sure about what you have received, contact your financial institution or company regarding the possible scam.<
Here are some do’s if you receive these scams or think you may have been the victim.
- If you receive this type of email, forward it to your financial institution (you can usually find the information for reporting scams on their website). Make sure you include the full email, including headers, so that they can track down the origin of the email and possibly catch the thieves. Never respond and unless you are truly internet savvy and experienced in tracing IP addresses and origins, do not attempt to catch them yourself. NEVER respond to the email.
- If you DO feel you may have fallen victim – do not be embarrassed! Immediately contact your financial institution for further instructions and they will help you minimize possible damage.
- DO check your statements often. Make sure that everything is as it should be. Any charges that are questionable should be immediately taken up with your financial institution.
One more note for those who have websites / domain names. Although legal, there are many domain companies out there that send out not only emails, but postal mail letters in regards to your domain name that you might have. They appear legitimate because they are a real company – however, what they are doing is attempting to move you from your current domain host and take the business. They are normally more expensive that what you are paying right now as well, plus it is possible for them to put their name on your domain name and “own it”. Doing business locally helps insure that you are able to ask your host / domain registrar any questions about something you might receive in regards to your domain name. Always rely on an expert – don’t put your business in jeopardy by possibly losing your domain name. Fighting to get it back can be a tedious, expensive and sometimes fruitless proposition. ALWAYS insure that YOU are the registrant on your domain name – NOT your host (they should be listed as technical) – YOU or your company should ALWAYS be listed as the registrant and contact person and you should always have access to manage your own account.
If you have received postal mail from the following - contact your web hosting provider before doing ANYTHING. Save the information that came with it and turn it over to them. If you have others that should be listed - PLEASE let us know!
- Domain Registry of America
- Internet Corporation Listing Service
- Liberty Names of America
If there are questions, please feel free to stop by my office at 720 N Trade Days, Suite 2, Canton TX 75103 (in the USDA center across from First Monday Trade Days - we share space with Advanced Technology Center) or call 903-567-6925.
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