Online and Computer Scams - Revision history

Drew Jackson at 20:55, 25 April 2017

2017-04-25T20:55:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:55, 25 April 2017
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	{{Law-Related ESL Badge		{{Law-Related ESL Badge
	\|lessonname= Scams to Avoid Lesson Module}}{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [[People's Law School]]\|date= March 2017}}{{Scams to Avoid TOC}}		\|lessonname= Scams to Avoid Lesson Module}}{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [[People's Law School]]\|date= March 2017}}{{Scams to Avoid TOC}}
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	~~\| text = This page is in the process of being updated. Please check back shortly.<br>~~
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	Technology has opened up new opportunities for people with bad intentions to try to trick you out of your money.		Technology has opened up new opportunities for people with bad intentions to try to trick you out of your money.

	==~~Scam 6.~~ Malware or spyware==		==Malware or spyware==
	You’re browsing the internet. An online ad features an item you’ve been thinking of buying. You click on the ad to learn more. A window pops up on your computer saying ~~“Your~~ personal files are encrypted!” The only way to ~~“release”~~ them is by paying a steep fee. If you don’t pay the fee in the next 72 hours, ~~“you~~ will never be able to recover your ~~files”~~.		You’re browsing the internet. An online ad features an item you’ve been thinking of buying. You click on the ad to learn more. A window pops up on your computer saying "Your personal files are encrypted!" The only way to "release" them is by paying a steep fee. If you don’t pay the fee in the next 72 hours, "you will never be able to recover your files".

	This is an example of '''malware''', which is software used to disrupt use of a device or gain access to sensitive information. Some malware is called '''spyware''' because it is installed on your device without you realizing it.		This is an example of '''malware''', which is software used to disrupt use of a device or gain access to sensitive information. Some malware is called '''spyware''' because it is installed on your device without you realizing it.
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	In fact, it is illegal to install software programs on someone’s device without the consent of the device owner or an authorized user (for example, a family member or employee).		In fact, it is illegal to install software programs on someone’s device without the consent of the device owner or an authorized user (for example, a family member or employee).

	==~~Scam 7.~~ Phishing emails==		==Phishing emails==
	You get an email message that appears to be from your bank. The sender’s name, the layout of the email, the logo - it’s all the same as your bank’s, at least on first look. The email says that your account has been compromised, and you need to visit a website to ~~“verify”~~ your account information. As you look more closely at the email, you see there are some typos, the logo is slightly off, and the address of the website is slightly different from your bank’s website.		You get an email message that appears to be from your bank. The sender’s name, the layout of the email, the logo - it’s all the same as your bank’s, at least on first look. The email says that your account has been compromised, and you need to visit a website to "verify" your account information. As you look more closely at the email, you see there are some typos, the logo is slightly off, and the address of the website is slightly different from your bank’s website.

	This email is fake. It has been sent by scammers pretending to be from your bank, trying to trick you into handing over personal and financial information. This is known as '''phishing'''. The email is being used as bait to ~~“fish”~~ for victims.		This email is fake. It has been sent by scammers pretending to be from your bank, trying to trick you into handing over personal and financial information. This is known as '''phishing'''. The email is being used as bait to "fish" for victims.

	Once the scammers have your information such as bank account details, credit card numbers, and passwords, they use it to take your money and commit more '''fraud'''.		Once the scammers have your information such as bank account details, credit card numbers, and passwords, they use it to take your money and commit more '''fraud'''.
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	}}		}}

	==~~Scam 8.~~ Money transfer scams==		==Money transfer scams==
	{{PLSStorybox		{{PLSStorybox
	\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Scams_to_Avoid_-_Harry_-_2017.jpg\|link=]]		\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Scams_to_Avoid_-_Harry_-_2017.jpg\|link=]]
	\| text = “I got an email from a lawyer overseas. A person sharing my family name had died and left behind a large sum of money. The lawyer hadn’t been able to locate any of the dead person’s relatives. He suggested that, because I had the same family name, he could pay the inheritance to me. We could then split the money, rather than handing it over to the government. I just had to pay some taxes and legal fees, and to provide my bank details so they could deposit the money.”<br>- Harry, Surrey		\| text = "I got an email from a lawyer overseas. A person sharing my family name had died and left behind a large sum of money. The lawyer hadn’t been able to locate any of the dead person’s relatives. He suggested that, because I had the same family name, he could pay the inheritance to me. We could then split the money, rather than handing it over to the government. I just had to pay some taxes and legal fees, and to provide my bank details so they could deposit the money."<br>- Harry, Surrey
	}}		}}

	An email from overseas claims that an important event - such as an inheritance or a change of government - has resulted in a person having a large sum of money which needs to be transferred out of the country. The sender claims that if you help with the transfer, you can keep a portion of the money. If you reply to the email, the sender says you will receive your ~~“reward”~~ once you pay various ~~“taxes~~ and ~~fees”~~.		An email from overseas claims that an important event - such as an inheritance or a change of government - has resulted in a person having a large sum of money which needs to be transferred out of the country. The sender claims that if you help with the transfer, you can keep a portion of the money. If you reply to the email, the sender says you will receive your "reward" once you pay various "taxes and fees".

	This is a '''money transfer scam'''. It is sometimes called a '''Nigerian scam''' or '''419 fraud''', after the section of the Nigerian criminal code dealing with fraud.		This is a '''money transfer scam'''. It is sometimes called a '''Nigerian scam''' or '''419 fraud''', after the section of the Nigerian criminal code dealing with fraud.
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	There are many variations of the scam, but all aim to steal your money.		There are many variations of the scam, but all aim to steal your money.

	You will never be sent any of the money, and you will lose any amounts you pay in ~~“taxes~~ and ~~fees”~~.		You will never be sent any of the money, and you will lose any amounts you pay in "taxes and fees".

	==~~Scam 9.~~ Antivirus software scams==		==Antivirus software scams==
	{{PLSStorybox		{{PLSStorybox
	\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Scams_to_Avoid_-_Kathy_-_2017.jpg\|link=]]		\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Scams_to_Avoid_-_Kathy_-_2017.jpg\|link=]]
	\| text = “I received a call from someone saying they were from Windows. The caller said my computer had been reported as having a virus that was infecting others. They told me to go to a website so they could fix it. Once I did, they took over the controls of my computer. They then told me that I would have to pay $300 for the ~~“repair”~~. I pulled the power on my computer and brought it to a local company to fix it.” <br>- Kathy, Nanaimo		\| text = "I received a call from someone saying they were from Windows. The caller said my computer had been reported as having a virus that was infecting others. They told me to go to a website so they could fix it. Once I did, they took over the controls of my computer. They then told me that I would have to pay $300 for the "repair". I pulled the power on my computer and brought it to a local company to fix it." <br>- Kathy, Nanaimo
	}}		}}

	One of the most reported scams targeting Canadians is the '''antivirus software scam'''. You get an email or phone call from a company that says your computer has a virus. They say they can ~~“repair”~~ your computer. This can involve installing software or ~~“taking over”~~ your computer to fix it.		One of the most reported scams targeting Canadians is the '''antivirus software scam'''. You get an email or phone call from a company that says your computer has a virus. They say they can "repair" your computer. This can involve installing software or "taking over" your computer to fix it.

			The software they install turns out to be '''malware''' or '''spyware''' that enables the scammer to gain access to your personal information. Or the scammer insists on a payment for their "repair" before they turn the controls of your computer back over to you.

	The software they install turns out to be '''malware''' or '''spyware''' that enables the scammer to gain access to your personal information. Or the scammer insists on a payment for their “repair” before they turn the controls of your computer back over to you.
	{{PLSTipsbox		{{PLSTipsbox
	\| text = Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm they are a real representative of a company you trust. If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from “Microsoft Support”, “Windows” or “Apple”, hang up. Technology companies do not make these kinds of calls.		\| text = Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm they are a real representative of a company you trust. If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from “Microsoft Support”, “Windows” or “Apple”, hang up. Technology companies do not make these kinds of calls.
	}}		}}

	==~~Scam 10.~~ Mobile phone scams==		==Mobile phone scams==
	Many of the tricks scammers try with email and computers are also used on mobile phone users.		Many of the tricks scammers try with email and computers are also used on mobile phone users.

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	Here are ways to reduce the risk of being the victim of an online or computer scam.		Here are ways to reduce the risk of being the victim of an online or computer scam.

	===1. Protect your devices===		===Protect your devices===
	Password protect your devices. On your cellphone, lock the keypad when you're not using it. Have software installed on your devices to prevent '''spam''', '''viruses''', and '''spyware'''. Keep that software up-to-date.		Password protect your devices. On your cellphone, lock the keypad when you're not using it. Have software installed on your devices to prevent '''spam''', '''viruses''', and '''spyware'''. Keep that software up-to-date.

	===2. Be cautious using email===		===Be cautious using email===
	When using email, never click on a link in an email, even to log in to well-known sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Go to the site directly and log in there. ~~Don’t~~ open an attachment in an email sent by someone you ~~don’t~~ know.		When using email, never click on a link in an email, even to log in to well-known sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Go to the site directly and log in there. Don't open an attachment in an email sent by someone you don't know.

	===3. Be cautious online===		===Be cautious online===
	Don’t click on links unless you trust the site you’re on. Don’t download files or applications unless you can verify the source. When ~~you’re~~ using social media services such as Facebook or Twitter, be alert for scammers posing as a friend and trying to trick you into clicking on a link to a malicious site.		Don’t click on links unless you trust the site you’re on. Don’t download files or applications unless you can verify the source. When you're using social media services such as Facebook or Twitter, be alert for scammers posing as a friend and trying to trick you into clicking on a link to a malicious site.

	===4. Erase information===		===Erase information===
	Make sure your information is completely erased before you sell, recycle or discard your computer or cellphone. This involves more than deleting everything. To make sure that your private information is gone forever, you need to ~~“wipe~~ the hard ~~drive”~~ using special software. You can buy this software or have a professional do this for you.		Make sure your information is completely erased before you sell, recycle or discard your computer or cellphone. This involves more than deleting everything. To make sure that your private information is gone forever, you need to "wipe the hard drive" using special software. You can buy this software or have a professional do this for you.

	{{Scams to Avoid Navbox}}		{{Scams to Avoid Navbox}}

Drew Jackson at 20:49, 25 April 2017

2017-04-25T20:49:10Z

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Elena Renderos at 03:35, 25 April 2017

2017-04-25T03:35:41Z

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	===4. Erase information===		===4. Erase information===
	Make sure your information is completely erased before you sell, recycle or discard your computer or cellphone. This involves more than deleting everything. To make sure that your private information is gone forever, you need to “wipe the hard drive” using special software. You can buy this software or have a professional do this for you.		Make sure your information is completely erased before you sell, recycle or discard your computer or cellphone. This involves more than deleting everything. To make sure that your private information is gone forever, you need to “wipe the hard drive” using special software. You can buy this software or have a professional do this for you.


	{{Scams to Avoid Navbox}}		{{Scams to Avoid Navbox}}

Elena Renderos at 02:23, 24 April 2017

2017-04-24T02:23:20Z

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	==Scam 9. Antivirus software scams==		==Scam 9. Antivirus software scams==
	{{PLSStorybox		{{PLSStorybox
	\| image =		\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Scams_to_Avoid_-_Kathy_-_2017.jpg\|link=]]
	\| text = “I received a call from someone saying they were from Windows. The caller said my computer had been reported as having a virus that was infecting others. They told me to go to a website so they could fix it. Once I did, they took over the controls of my computer. They then told me that I would have to pay $300 for the “repair”. I pulled the power on my computer and brought it to a local company to fix it.” <br>- Kathy, Nanaimo		\| text = “I received a call from someone saying they were from Windows. The caller said my computer had been reported as having a virus that was infecting others. They told me to go to a website so they could fix it. Once I did, they took over the controls of my computer. They then told me that I would have to pay $300 for the “repair”. I pulled the power on my computer and brought it to a local company to fix it.” <br>- Kathy, Nanaimo
	}}		}}

Elena Renderos at 02:22, 24 April 2017

2017-04-24T02:22:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:22, 24 April 2017
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	==Scam 8. Money transfer scams==		==Scam 8. Money transfer scams==
	{{PLSStorybox		{{PLSStorybox
	\| image =		\| image = [[File:Headshot_-_Scams_to_Avoid_-_Harry_-_2017.jpg\|link=]]
	\| text = “I got an email from a lawyer overseas. A person sharing my family name had died and left behind a large sum of money. The lawyer hadn’t been able to locate any of the dead person’s relatives. He suggested that, because I had the same family name, he could pay the inheritance to me. We could then split the money, rather than handing it over to the government. I just had to pay some taxes and legal fees, and to provide my bank details so they could deposit the money.”<br>- Harry, Surrey		\| text = “I got an email from a lawyer overseas. A person sharing my family name had died and left behind a large sum of money. The lawyer hadn’t been able to locate any of the dead person’s relatives. He suggested that, because I had the same family name, he could pay the inheritance to me. We could then split the money, rather than handing it over to the government. I just had to pay some taxes and legal fees, and to provide my bank details so they could deposit the money.”<br>- Harry, Surrey
	}}		}}

Elena Renderos at 02:19, 24 April 2017

2017-04-24T02:19:09Z

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	==Preventing problems==		==Preventing problems==
			[[File:Scams_to_Avoid_-_Contents2.png\|thumb\|275px\|right\| link=\| <span style="font-size:50%;">Image via www.istockphoto.com</span>]]
	Here are ways to reduce the risk of being the victim of an online or computer scam.		Here are ways to reduce the risk of being the victim of an online or computer scam.

Elena Renderos at 00:33, 24 April 2017

2017-04-24T00:33:02Z

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Drew Jackson at 20:54, 20 April 2017

2017-04-20T20:54:27Z

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	This scam, which has been around for long time, has gone online. It is sometimes called the "4-1-9 scam," after the section of the Nigerian criminal code that addresses fraud schemes.		This scam, which has been around for long time, has gone online. It is sometimes called the "4-1-9 scam," after the section of the Nigerian criminal code that addresses fraud schemes.
	Typically an email comes from overseas, usually from somewhere in Africa. The email claims that an important event (e.g., a change of government) has resulted in a person having a large sum of money which needs to be transferred overseas. The sender claims that if you help with the <span class="noglossary">transfer</span>, you can keep a portion of the money. If you <span class="noglossary">reply</span> to the email, you receive official-looking correspondence and are requested to provide your financial details, such as bank <span class="noglossary">account</span> information. Then something “goes wrong” and you are pressured to save the deal. The scammer demands <span class="noglossary">advance</span> fees for various taxes, legal fees, transaction fees or bribes. There are many variations of the scam, but all aim to steal your money.		Typically an email comes from overseas, usually from somewhere in Africa. The email claims that an important event (e.g., a change of government) has resulted in a person having a large sum of money which needs to be transferred overseas. The sender claims that if you help with the <span class="noglossary">transfer</span>, you can keep a portion of the money. If you <span class="noglossary">reply</span> to the email, you receive official-looking correspondence and are requested to provide your financial details, such as bank <span class="noglossary">account</span> information. Then something “goes wrong” and you are pressured to save the deal. The scammer demands <span class="noglossary">advance</span> fees for various taxes, legal fees, transaction fees or bribes. There are many variations of the scam, but all aim to steal your money.

	~~{{REVIEWED \| reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2013}}~~

	{{Scams to Avoid Navbox}}		{{Scams to Avoid Navbox}}

Drew Jackson at 20:54, 20 April 2017

2017-04-20T20:54:03Z

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	The Internet provides endless opportunities for selling products, with sales of everything from t-shirts to toys, calendars to collectibles. If a '''scam''' is involved, the item you purchased online may never be delivered or may not be as advertised. Or you may be asked to pay an <span class="noglossary">advance</span> fee and receive nothing. The Internet also provides opportunities for scammers to steal your identity and your money.		The Internet provides endless opportunities for selling products, with sales of everything from t-shirts to toys, calendars to collectibles. If a '''scam''' is involved, the item you purchased online may never be delivered or may not be as advertised. Or you may be asked to pay an <span class="noglossary">advance</span> fee and receive nothing. The Internet also provides opportunities for scammers to steal your identity and your money.

Drew Jackson at 18:30, 20 April 2017

2017-04-20T18:30:13Z

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	{{Law-Related ESL Badge		{{Law-Related ESL Badge
	\|lessonname= Scams to Avoid Lesson Module}}{{~~Consumer Law Wikibook~~ TOC}}		\|lessonname= Scams to Avoid Lesson Module}}{{Scams to Avoid TOC}}

	The Internet provides endless opportunities for selling products, with sales of everything from t-shirts to toys, calendars to collectibles. If a '''scam''' is involved, the item you purchased online may never be delivered or may not be as advertised. Or you may be asked to pay an <span class="noglossary">advance</span> fee and receive nothing. The Internet also provides opportunities for scammers to steal your identity and your money.		The Internet provides endless opportunities for selling products, with sales of everything from t-shirts to toys, calendars to collectibles. If a '''scam''' is involved, the item you purchased online may never be delivered or may not be as advertised. Or you may be asked to pay an <span class="noglossary">advance</span> fee and receive nothing. The Internet also provides opportunities for scammers to steal your identity and your money.
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	{{REVIEWED \| reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2013}}		{{REVIEWED \| reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2013}}

	{{~~Consumer Law Wikibook~~ Navbox}}		{{Scams to Avoid Navbox}}

	{{Creative Commons for PLS		{{Creative Commons for PLS
	\|title = ~~Consumer Law Wikibook~~		\|title = Scams to Avoid
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