SCAM Detection

afreas

Member
Folks
Just as a public service here are some basic ways to detect scams. These are by now way complete but here are some basics. I will use an "EBay Registration Suspension Notice" as an example

1) No legitimate business asks for the following over an email
a) your soc or sin number.
b) A password of any type
c) An account number.
d) Mothers maiden name.
If you aren't sure go directly to their home page without using any links in the email.

2) Look at the language of the request, many times these scams come from offshore so there may be subtle hints. In the ebay email the text ends with "Warmly, EBay Inc." Warmly is generally not used as a closing in the US.

3) Look for inconsistancies. In the ebay email it starts the letter with "EBay Inc. is maintaining..." In the return snail mail address at the bottom it says "Copyright © 1998-2006 eBay, LLC" Folks that are LLC generally don't refer to themselves as inc.

4) Look close at any links that are in the email. signin.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?SignIn&ssPageName=h:h:sin:eBayVerification now look at the actual address the link goes to if you click the link is, smtp.glinktel.com/...... This is hardly an ebay server if you research the domain name "glinktel.com" you find that it is registerd to
Global Link Telcom Ltd.
Abdullah XXXXXX (XXXXXXXX@yahoo.com)
+XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Fax: +XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
91 New Eskaton Road
Dhaka, 1217
BD
Now what is wrong here.... Well, major companies generally don't register addresses with an email of yahoo.com. American companies generally don't register addresses overseas with foreign phone numbers


6) Finally, don't ever, ever use links in emails to renew profile information from a web based company, if you want to renew information over the web go to the base web page (www.ebay.com in this case) and find the update information page from there or call the company by phone.

Hope this helps some folks there is a lot of phishing going on.

ART

[ 10-13-2006, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: NewfDad ]
 

IndysDad

New member
There is a Comcast email going around from "Comcast Security" asking you to verify account information so you can receive security upgrades.

Dont fall for it. One onter note, if you do click on the link, I beleive it is possible for your computer to receive malware without you even knowing.Dont fall to the temptation!
 

Nasus

New member
And remember u DID NOT win the lottery! And the dead Dr. in Nigeria that left all the money in the bank for u to get a cut of does not exist!
Citibank is not upgrading the security on your account.. all Phising.. All scams.. Don't ever answer anything from ANY company thru e-mail.
 
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