If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Emails from McDonald's are making the rounds and it's very exciting.  Take a McDonald's survey and get $250 for participating.  The problem is, the email is not legitimate.  It was generated by cybercreeps who want to steal your information.

How it works:
1.  Take a 5 question survey
2.  To "win" your $250, provide your personal information AND your credit card so they will "credit" your account (warning!  warning!)

Tips to spot and avoid scams:
1.  Most surveys, if they offer everyone something, usually give you a nominal amount on a gift card or coupons for a free item
2.  If a company asks for your personal information along with credit card or bank account to "give" you money, it's most likely a scam
3.  Pay attention to the language used - does it sound like the company?  In this case, the message mentions that you are taking a "public opinion poll conducted by McDonald's, a non-partisan polling organization."  I appreciate the fact that the Golden Arches feels food should transcend political parties but that statement does not make sense.

Many thanks to Tony Bradley for highlighting this phishing scam!

Sources:

"McDonald's Phishing Scam: I'm Not Lovin' It", Tony Bradley, PCWorld, January 21, 2011.

Cybercreeps Grab Your Stash, Hide the Cash, While Using Bogus Bank Statements

Cybercrooks have a new trick up their sleeve! 

Cybercriminals are rewriting your bank statement so it looks like small transfers have been taken out and your balance looks okay.

A Security firm called, Finjan, found that cybercriminals stole $440K from online banking customers in Germany last year.

To fake out the customer and the bank, the cybercreeps transacted small transfers.   They used money mules to help them move the money out.  (More on money mules in another post but they are usually good people doing "work at home" and have no idea that they are a pawn in this scheme).

To continue the fake out, these cybercreeps displayed altered statements showing only a small amount transferred. 

 “They successfully evaded the banks' anti-fraud systems," says Ben-Itzhak. "We dubbed it anti anti-fraud."

Link to original USA Today story:  http://blogs.usatoday.com/technologylive/2009/09/cybercriminals-rewriting-bank-statements.html


Follow us on Twitter:  twitter.com/fortalicellc


Fan us on Facebook:  FortaliceLLC


Website:  Company Website

4 Tips to avoid online scams / phishing - Don't take the B.A.I.T.

4 Tips to avoid online scams / phishing - Don't take the B.A.I.T.

B:  Beware of popups or emails that request you click on a link.
A:  Account alerts can be set up to help you monitor your accounts.
I:  Internet addresses should include https:// if they are asking for personal and sensitive information.
T:  Tone is usually a give away.  If the tone says you must act quickly or something bad will happen it is usually a scam.   

If You Believe You Took the Bait:

If you believe you took the phishing bait, file a complaint with local law enforcement and visit FTC.gov to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Also request to freeze your credit report and ask for a free credit report.

Spotting Phish Bait:

(1)  Your children may accidentally click on pop ups while surfing the net.  Teach them to notify you when there is a random pop up while they are online.  You can also set your web browser to "Block Pop Ups" as a precaution.

(2)  Government Agencies such as the IRS and the FBI have been recent targets in phishing scam emails.  Both have said they will never ask for personal information via email.

(3)  Banks and credit card companies are also popular phishing targets and will never ask for your personal information via email.

For more information on how to stay safe online, check us out on WBTV.com