Top Net Threats Right Now
While it may not feel quite like the Wild West anymore, the Internet is still full of people looking to rip you off -- the anonymity and secretive nature of online dealings makes them much more prone to fraud than in the real world. We've compiled a list of the top threats to your security lurking around the Internet -- and what you can do to avoid them.
The threat: The upcoming presidential election
The problem: All of the presidential candidates accept donation contributions online -- but be careful. Extremist supporters have been using "typo-domains" that mimic the Web site of a political rival; when the contributions come in, they're either pocketed or contributed to someone else's campaign. GOP Presidential nominee Ron Paul's campaign received funds from five hundred stolen credit cards, which were stolen from Frost bank; investigators discovered overseas thieves used Paul's site to test the stolen cards with $5 contributions.
How to protect yourself: Don't reply to the email -- and don't click the links inside it, either. Want to make an online donation? Google the name of your candidate of choice, go to his or her official site, and donate away ...
The threat: The upcoming presidential election
The problem: All of the presidential candidates accept donation contributions online -- but be careful. Extremist supporters have been using "typo-domains" that mimic the Web site of a political rival; when the contributions come in, they're either pocketed or contributed to someone else's campaign. GOP Presidential nominee Ron Paul's campaign received funds from five hundred stolen credit cards, which were stolen from Frost bank; investigators discovered overseas thieves used Paul's site to test the stolen cards with $5 contributions.
How to protect yourself: Don't reply to the email -- and don't click the links inside it, either. Want to make an online donation? Google the name of your candidate of choice, go to his or her official site, and donate away ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
Daniel Gaunt @ Feb 15th 2008 5:25AM
Ahhh I'm never going on the internet again. I'm way too scared!
http://freeextras.blogspot.com/
http://lifeorsomethingnotquitelikeit.blogspot.com/
Tully S @ Feb 17th 2008 12:39PM
This fraud has nothing to do with Ron Paul. Seems like you just wanted to have the title "Top Internet Threats Right Now" with a picture of Ron Paul.
You're also linking two completely separate frauds. Typo-domains and testing funds from stolen credit card numbers are two different subjects. This is a joke.
For Me to Know @ Feb 20th 2008 6:26AM
You use RP as an example rather than the FAR more common fake PayPal, eBay, BoA, Citibank, etc. e-mails.
I'm sure you can stoop lower than THAT. Go ahead; give it a whirl.
M @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:46AM
Jesus H. Christ, isn't anyplace safe from criminals anymore??
Sometimes it seems like the internet is just one giant opium den.
Sue @ Feb 22nd 2008 7:31AM
lol
Eleanor @ Feb 22nd 2008 7:36AM
After loosing 600 $ from my credit card, I closed it out. That might not seem like a lot, but am o a fixed income so to me it was. Be careful who and what you answere to. To some one with a big bank account you could be wiped out in seconds. We live in an unsafe world. What a shame but you have to take care of you, even if it means doing what I did.
jyl @ Feb 22nd 2008 7:42AM
M--Just curious, what does the H stand for in Jesus H Christ?
DR RUTH @ Feb 22nd 2008 8:04AM
WHAT DOES RON PAUL HAVE TO DO WITH YOUR ARTICLE: "TOP INTERNET THREATS RIGHT NOW" ????
WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOW ALL THE CANDIDATES' PHOTOS RELATING TO YOUR NEWS ARTICLE - WHY JUST RON PAUL ? THAT'S NOT FAIR !!!! AND NOT RIGHT !!!!
bluntgard420 @ Feb 22nd 2008 8:46AM
What does Ron Paul have to do with this?Do you people stay awake at night and think fo things to gripe about?Get a clue.
Andrew J Valiante @ Feb 22nd 2008 8:51AM
This is to answer JYl's question regarding what the H stands for in Jesus H Christ...This year it stands for "Hillary".Next year it will be the same as the "S" in Harry S Truman which doesn't stand for anything.
Spencer @ Feb 22nd 2008 9:11AM
Wow...what does stolen credit cards and Ron Paul have to do with internet security?? Did they magically transport the cards from the bank to their secret hideaway lol or maybe you really meant stolen credit card numbers. At the very least the stolen credit card info should have been a seperate paragraph than the typo-domain info. Either way you guys really droppped the ball with this article. But, I guess that's what I've come to expect from AOL and I'm so bored this morning there's nothing else to do but laugh at your blogs.
vicki harrison @ Feb 22nd 2008 9:12AM
COOOLLLLL.............
Lillian @ Feb 22nd 2008 9:14AM
Standard rule always applies: Don't open any emails from whom you do not know. And, if by chance you have a momentary brain fart and do open those emails, DON'T click on any links within that suspicious email.
I realize this does not save you from "everything" out there that's trying to get to you through your computer, but it's the best solution just from an email standpoint. You wouldn't believe the number of people who use the computer just for email and IM's only, but they open every single email they get, no matter who it's from, then click on everything possible, I guess just for the fun of it, then they wonder why their computer is "freaking out" all the time.
Carlo @ Feb 22nd 2008 9:15AM
I think internet scams and virus proliferators warrant the death penalty without trial -- same as horse theivs and cattle rustlers in the late 19th Century West... Notice I didn't say "Wild West" as I think summary executions would be the most civilized solution to this vast problem in the service of justice for the collective loss of law-abiding people's monies, computer hardware, and the corruption of expensive programs.
dont ask @ Feb 22nd 2008 9:16AM
WOW!
Sounds like Tully S and bluntgard(420) should get a room together, as they seem to share the love for poor Mr. Paul who hasn't got a clue as to how to defend himself...
I also find it ironic that a person (I think) going by the name of blunt and 420 is telling people to get a clue! I say put down the bongs and semi-automatic weapons turn off the computer pull up the shades and open the door! It's daytime out there and there are real people just on the other side of that door!
If moving out under your own volition doesn't work there are plenty of psycho / logical? help lines you can call and they would be more than happy to come and pick you up I'm sure...
Kevin Wimer @ Feb 22nd 2008 9:21AM
I have had my debit card stolen twice in 2 months. I don't open e-mails unless I know or expect a message.
C. L. @ Feb 22nd 2008 9:42AM
To quote one the Duke's movie lines .... "Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid."
Alf E Newbie @ Feb 22nd 2008 9:55AM
What? Me worry?
sulaimon @ Feb 22nd 2008 9:58AM
The issue of this internet scams can't be resolved until each individual can eat three squared meal a day.I must say some of this scammer live with less than a dollar per day and they have family to feed.No Work for man to do when they have the ability to work.The Government have to be blame for this.Do something for the individuals and not you spendin money for more money.Sulaimon
Aisley @ Feb 22nd 2008 10:00AM
How sad! From all the senses Common Sense is the least common.
It's a more than a well established fact that NO ONE WILL GIVE YOU ANYTHING FOR FREE, ESPECIALLY MONEY! Then, financial institutions don't do business over e-mails. Why are there still people falling for this? Ugh (eyes rolling)