Security alerts

VirusHeat

VirusHeat is a false or rogue anti-spyware program that installs itself on to your computer, without your knowledge nor permission, via a Trojan (such as Zlob). Once installed, it launches from a Windows startup process and floods the computer with false virus warning messages. MORE INFO

Common threats

Scam Emails Seek Donations to Help Chinese Earthquake Victims

The FBI is asking people to beware of emails claiming to be raising money to help the victims of the recent earthquake in China. MORE INFO

Security terms

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Common threats

Scam Emails Seek Donations to Help Chinese Earthquake Victims

Washington, D.C.: The FBI is asking people to beware of emails claiming to be raising money to help the victims of the recent earthquake in China. Tragic incidents such as 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Minnesota Bridge collapse, and the Virginia Tech shootings have all prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions for a charitable organization and/or a good cause. Some of the Chinese earthquake scam messages claim to be offering free vacation trips to the largest donors and even use fake logos of legitimate online pay services to fool people.

Everyone should consider the following:

Do not respond to unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail.
Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.
Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to recognized organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization's website rather than following an alleged link to the site.
Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may assist in confirming the actual existence of the organization.
Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: providing such information may compromise your identity and open you to identity theft.

“Scammers and criminals come forward after many of these tragic events and you should be wary of solicited requests for money. People should feel free to make donations, just make sure you know who you are dealing with and where the donations are going. This way you can make sure your money really makes a difference and helps out a need person, not a greedy criminal,” said Special Agent Richard Kolko, Washington, DC.

To receive the latest information about cyber scams please go to the FBI website and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on one of the red envelopes. If you have received a scam e-mail please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov. For more information of e-scams, please visit the FBI's New E-Scams and Warnings webpage.

Postcard Virus

A virus hoax entitled "Postcard Virus" is now circulating via email. This virus is not real, and the email warns users about opening any message with an attachment entitled “POSTCARD.” Virus hoaxes are usually sent with the intention of clogging mail servers when concerned users forward them on. For more information about the postcard virus hoax, click here: http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_postcard_virus.htm

Virus Hoaxes

There are a lot of viruses out there, yet some aren't really out there at all. Virus hoaxes are most often received as email messages with strong and frightful warnings that urge the recipient to forward them to as many people as they can. The tactic is used to get that email into as many mailboxes as possible. The actual threat they're publicizing is completely false. Virus hoaxes are more than mere annoyances, as they may lead some users to routinely ignore all virus warning messages, leaving them vulnerable to a genuine, destructive virus. Not all hoaxes appear as virus warnings, however. Some instead tell a sad or magnificent story, again urging the recipient to forward it to as many people as possible. When you receive an urgent virus warning message or any email that asks you to forward it to others, research it on any of these sites:

Snopes.com
McAfee Hoaxes
Norton Hoaxes

and just delete it.

Phishing and Pharming

Phishing & Pharming techniques are both used to fraudulently acquire personal information, like credit card numbers, account data, passwords, social security numbers and other private information. An email, phone call, or even regular mail (letter), is crafted in such a way as to represent legitimate companies like Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, eBay, PayPal, Amazon.com, etc. As a rule of thumb, banks, online retailers, etc. do not ask you for personal information via phone, email or a letter. If you think you have received a legitimate request for your personal information, simply call the company requesting it, yet use the number on their Website, in the phone book, on the back of your credit card, or on their own literature instead of number in the message. If it's a phone call, tell them you'll call them back, and do not accept/use the number they give you. Visit http://www.antiphishing.org for more information on protecting yourself, how to report phishing and joining the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG).