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Avoiding Spyware and E-Card Fraud - How to Safely Send and Receive E-Cards

E-cards (or electronic greeting cards) have become a popular, convenient and inexpensive method of sending greetings to friends, family and business associates for many computer users. Currently, there are thousands of e-card companies. E-card companies are becoming increasingly creative with many including options to add audio, video or animations to your messages. With e-cards increasing in popularity, they are now being heavily to download spyware and perpetuate Internet fraud on unsuspecting users.

A legitimate looking e-card, once clicked on and/or downloaded could actually contain spyware, spam or a computer virus. Some examples of this include: displays of obscene images, pop-up ads, launching of adult websites or spoofing of your email address to send e-cards to others (making them appear as if they came from you).

Below are some signs of a fake e-card:

Spelling errors, or misspellings of your own name.
Errors within the message of the card.
You dont recognize the cards sender.
The sender has a bogus name like: Joe Cool or Secret Admirer.
It comes from a bizarre looking URL.

Ways to avoid fake e-cards:

If there is any doubt, dont open it.
Never click on links or open attachments from an unknown source.
Never accept the terms of any End User License Agreement without first reading the terms in fine print.
Use antivirus software, like StopSign Internet Security and keep it up to date.
Use an alternative browser, like Mozilla Firefox. Many scams exploit security holes in Internet Explorer.
Whichever browser you use, make sure you download all new security updates.
Dont open any cards with attachments.

There are still many legitimate e-card companies out there and sending e-cards can be fun. Below are a few well-established, reputable e-card companies:

Blue Mountain-http://www.bluemountain.com
Hallmark-http://www.hallmark.com
Egreeting-http://www.egreetings.com

If you have already accidentally opened a suspicious looking e-card, there are several things you can do:

Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, by calling one of the three main credit reporting agencies, Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742) and TransUnion (1-800-680-7289). If you file a report, it helps minimize the damage an online criminal can do.
Monitor your financial statements closely. Look for small unexplained charges around the $25 or $30 mark.
File a police report if you suspect your personal information has been stolen.
Cancel any credit cards or bank accounts you fear may have been compromised.

Like any popular activity pursued on the Internet, e-cards can be a potential source of spyware and/or Internet fraud. However, by following a few common sense tips and being aware of the warning signs, you can help protect yourself from this new trend in computer crime.

Jason Dick is an Internet Security Specialist. Mr. Dick is a Tier-3 certified antivirus technician with extensive experience creating customized antivirus solutions for new and resistant spyware and virus infections. In addition, he has spent several years consulting with the average home computer user helping them get the most from their Internet Security Software. He is currently writing a number of articles regarding responsible computer use, internet security, spyware and virus trends and other pertinent technology news to share his knowledge and expertise.To read more of Jason's articles visit: http://home.stopsign.com

posted by allzq @ 10:22 PM