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As the Internet’s popularity for holiday shopping increases, so does the risk of identity theft. Cyber criminals are growing more successful this holiday season at stealing people’s identities by setting up fake websites to scam millions from unsuspecting shoppers. Victims are losing money by entering their credit card information, sending checks, or giving bank account details.

Criminals who set up scam sites go through the same process that legitimate e-commerce sites do in regards for SEO, SEM, and online advertising via keywords. They take advantage of popular news stories or toys for the season, such as Tiger Woods, and boost their rankings in the search results to show up alongside legitimate sites. These same processes are also being used for infecting searchers with adware as well. No one wants their identity stolen, so take some tips from us. Here are 10 ways you can avoid identity theft this holiday season.

Many fake websites will phish for traffic via an email, tweet, or spam message on a social site. Do not click through.

If you don’t recognize the e-commerce brand or site, don’t click through. Especially if the offer is too good to be true.

If you are getting an email or message from a respected e-commerce site and you click through, check the domain name/URL address for a suspicious address. The criminal could be cybersquatting on the domain.

When placing an online order, check out the address bar for an “https”, which signifies a “secured” page. Scammers don’t normally take the time to secure their site.

If you purchase from eBay, check out the eBayer’s history first. eBay tends to lean on the honor’s code heavily and there are known to be a significant amount of scammers on the site now.

Pay close attention to your credit card statements. Check them every two weeks online and refute any unauthorized charges within two billing cycles, otherwise you will be picking up the bill no matter what.

Don’t pay by check or money order. Once that money is taken from your account, it is extremely difficult to get back. Use a uniball gel pen to avoid check-washing.

Only do business with websites you know and trust.

If you think your identity has been stolen, freeze your credit immediately. Go to ConsumersUnion.org and follow the steps for your state.

Buy proven and effective spyware blockers and install it on any computer that you use for sensitive information. Catch the criminal before he catches you.

The recommended solution is a proven and trusted anti-spyware program that will ensure the safety and security of your private and confidential information. Spyware Doctor is an anti-spyware program that will give you the confidence and privacy that you need when conducting business. There is no need to worry about which anti-spyware programs are right for you. Spyware Doctor will ensure you will be able to once again relax and enjoy your time on the computer without the fear of infection or identity theft.

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WC: 503

Author: Ethan Luke. 11-13-09. <a href="http://www.spyware-blockers.com">Spyware blockers</a> - Spyware Doctor is consistently one of the highest highest rated spyware blocking software from CNET.  Come download at spyware-blockers.com!

Summary: The recommended solution is a proven and trusted anti-spyware program that will ensure the safety and security of your private and confidential information. Spyware Doctor is an anti-spyware program that will give you the confidence and privacy that you need when conducting business.

Source(s):

http://www.bloggernews.net/123204
 

We all have something in common in our daily lives: the utility of a very intelligent mechanical device called the computer. They are everywhere, in supermarkets, retail centers, doctor’s offices, cafes, more. Not to mention most of us have our very own personal computers. With today’s growing technology a computer is more than a data storage device or a machine that is used to perform complex calculations. Access to the World Wide Web makes computers more than just another fancy gadget. They are now our chat rooms, encyclopedia, yellow pages, mailbox, and source of entertainment—the list can go on for ever. With all the advantages the internet brings to our lives, it is also makes our system vulnerable to online threats. The software that makes our computer useful for us can be the same software that distorts the system and causes the loss of valuable time and data.

What is Spyware?

Software called spyware, is a very real source of danger online. Once you are infected, spyware will attempt to take control of your computer. Spyware causes temporary setbacks, reduced speed/slow processing, loss of data, and even permanent damage to the operating system. It can change your settings without your knowledge or permission, study your behavior, and steal your sensitive information. Read more >>

What is Spyware and How Can I Avoid it?

Those who use a computer on a regular basis have heard the warnings of dangers lurking online: Nigerians needing money, stolen credit card numbers, or the lethal Love Bug computer virus. Far from just rumor, online scams, identity theft, and destructive viruses do exist and should not be taken lightly. The most common threat facing you and your PC is spyware—software that sneaks into your computer undetected, causing damage before long before it’s discovered.

Cyber thieves will often use spyware to “spy” on your Internet activities. Spyware is described as software that is installed on your computer without your knowledge or permission, with the intent to monitor and/or collect information about you.
The famous Trojan viruses can do anything from collecting your personal banking information to following you wherever you go while on the Internet. Some of them will literally destroy your hard drive just because they can. Nobody knows why cyber criminals do the things they do but usually they have one objective in mind: to get access to your valuable data. Read more >>

Spyware: The Online Menace

The internet has proved to be a very useful tool which assists us with our daily lives, but as technology increases with our ever-demanding needs, so does the software that can put us all at risk. In recent years, the issues linked to organizations (both large and small) and fraudsters using spyware to advertise a range of products and services have been vast and has led to many countries taking a stand on what has become a growing concern.

Implemented spyware laws

Each country may have its own views on how to deal with the use of spyware in the internet industry and some are taking evasive action to prevent further problems from arising. Read more >>

Thank goodness for the invention of personal computers, the saviors of modern society. Computers make our lives easier, but what would you do if your personal computer wasn't really yours? The interconnectivity of these machines, along with the sheer number of them worldwide simply begs for somebody nasty to take advantage of their power. Though it may be inside your own household, it’s possible for someone to invade your privacy, watch your every move, or even steal your personal details. This is exactly what software called spyware does, and without you even knowing it, it could be present on your computer.

Every computer in the world uses software to function properly. Some software applications are simple, whereas others are massively complex, but they all share one common characteristic: they control your PC. Now, in normal circumstances this is a great thing, since it allows you to carry out everyday tasks such as emailing, playing games, making online purchases, and surfing the net. However, this very same vital function of software can be exploited with spyware. Read more >>

Signs of a Spyware Infection

Is your computer suddenly acting funny? Do you feel as though someone else has taken control? You may have an unwanted invader, called spyware, on your PC. This dangerous software can secretly infect your computer and potentially cause you harm. Read on to diagnose such an infection, and better yet, learn how to prevent it. Read more >>

With all the advances in technology it may not surprise you when your computer seems to have a mind of its own. But, when your PC dials long distance numbers without your knowledge, changes your settings or home page, displays random pop-ups, or secretly records your personal information—that’s going too far. The internet is a wonderful thing, but unfortunately, each and every time you log on, you could be compromising the safety of your hard drive and your information. This begs the question, “How does this happen?” and, “Can I prevent this from happening?”

How does this happen?

The answer to the first question is simple – spyware. Spyware is any program that enters your computer system undetected and attempts to take over it in some way. They can sneak in anytime you are online, typically when you download any type of file. By downloading a free game or application, for example, or simply opening an email attachment, spyware can infect your computer. Spyware accesses your information, alters your browser settings, and executes other unwanted tasks. Not only does this increase your risk of identity theft, it reduces your system speed, and causes damage to your operating system. The trouble-making list is long and tiresome, not to mention costly to deal with. Read more >>

The ability to shop online, pay bills, and manage accounts are all advances in online technology that often feel as if they were sent from heaven, allowing us to take care of business from the comfort of our own home. Sadly, this comfort can be misleading. Just as someone may attempt to over your shoulder at the ATM to snatch your pin number, there are also spies on the internet. Spyware is a disease that has spread like wildfire and once infected, we are left unprotected from the criminals of internet world. Having an effective spyware removal tool should be considered extremely important if you value your personal information and your computer itself.

First things first, you may be wondering, what is spyware, and how do you get it? Then, more importantly, how can you get rid of it and prevent infection? This knowledge will prevent you from becoming the next identity theft victim.

What is Spyware?

Basically spyware is a type of software that is installed in your computer without your knowledge. It can lodge in your system and retrieve your personal data such as passwords or financial information. Once installed the software can take partial control of your system and can cause various problems, like changing your computer settings or redirecting your web browsers, among others. The consequences of spyware can be very dangerous to both you and your PC. Read more >>

Identity theft is now more common to the global communication barrier the internet has crossed. Each and everyday we surf the web and interact with others with little regard of any potential online dangers. With every file you download, attachment you open, or email and IM that you send, data is sent via the communication highway we call the World Wide Web. Online threats can attach themselves to these transmissions and lodge themselves in your computer. One silent but deadly threat hunting our stored information is spyware. Spyware is software that infects your computer, without your knowledge, with the intent on taking control. Typically the goal of most spyware is to “spy” on you and collect your personal or financial information. Unfortunately, there is little that we can do to prevent this from happening. The fact of the matter is that you don’t know when they enter your system. They sneak in and they imbed themselves in your storage like any other file folder. The disguise they use varies, but each variety can cause serious damage. Read more >>

How to Tell if Your Computer is Infected With Spyware

Whenever you use the internet, there is the unfortunate possibility of spyware software collecting your personal data to use against you. These spyware programs intercept your computer usage and send your personal information to the spyware creator, all without your knowledge. It is possible for spyware to enter your computer through email, any internet download, and/or through instant messaging. Pop-up windows are another medium for spyware to enter your computer. Some companies send spyware solely for advertising and marketing purposes and are quite safe. However, it is the malicious programs that threaten your privacy, leading to identity theft and fraud. It’s best to be aware of and protect yourself against any spyware infection.

Signs to look out for

It is not always obvious when your computer gets infected with spyware, so there are some telltale signs to be on the lookout for. Read more >>