Archives Scam Alert

Scam Alert: Don’t Say They Didn’t Warn You

You’re cruising the Internet when you’re suddenly confronted with a pop-up that looks like an authentic Windows security alert. Click “OK,” and you will quickly be out of $30 to $80.

November 20, 2009

Apple Macs no safer than PCs from computer phishing attacks

Apple Macs no safer than PCs from computer phishing attacks Like this story. Share it with Yahoo. Buzz Mac-phishingx-large Mac users get victimized by a certain, very active segment of the cyber underground -- phishers -- just as often as PC users, says Randy Abrams, director of technical education at antivirus firm Eset.

November 17, 2009

Scam Alert: When Rip-Offs Hit Home

Don’t expect to lower your tax bill by dealing with “property tax reassessment services” or “tax assessors” who go door to door. There’s an upswing in efforts to trick homeowners into paying for such services that can be done at no charge, courtesy of your tax dollars.

November 16, 2009

Even Ponzi schemes are 'going green'

Reuters logo By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK The U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged four individuals and two companies with running a $30 million Ponzi scheme that targeted elderly investors and people nearing retirement who were seeking environmentally friendly investments. In a civil lawsuit filed Monday in Denver federal court, the SEC accused Mantria Corp of Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

November 16, 2009

Ask Sid: Who Owes the Clunkers Tax?

Do I need to pay taxes on the Cash for Clunkers incentive I received?

November 13, 2009

Authorities say con man fleeced retired teachers

Dozens of retired public school teachers knew Robert Sturman as the financial adviser who for years had astutely handled their life savings. So when he promised big returns from a plan to broker tickets for events at the Wachovia Center, out came the checkbooks. But, federal investigators say, Sturman had turned con man, stealing at least $4.

November 6, 2009

Scam Alert: When ‘Dirty’ Websites Attack

The first rule of protecting your computer from infection has long been to avoid risky downloads. And while that remains good advice, it may no longer be enough to keep you safe.

November 6, 2009

Ask Sid: With Cash, You Feel the Pain

Q. If I pay with cash more often, will I spend less? A. People typically spend less money when they pay with cash rather than a credit card.

November 6, 2009

F.D.A. Fighting False Online Claims About Swine Flu Treatments

Worried about swine flu. You can buy healing gels that “create a barrier between you and the potentially deadly virus now spreading across the globe. ” Or “ionic silver” that kills every known pathogen, germ, bacteria, virus or fungus within six minutes.

November 6, 2009

Scam Alert: Helpful Hackers

They claim to be Internet security watchdogs offering help with a computer virus you mistakenly downloaded. Their real intention is to get remote access to your files.

November 3, 2009

A Free Credit Score Followed by a Monthly Bill

On television it’s hard to miss the wildly popular band of slackers singing ruefully from a shabby apartment or while waiting tables in pirate regalia. The ruined credit that led to their financial misfortune might have been sparkling if only they’d tracked their status on freecreditreport. com. The Federal Trade Commission is not amused.

November 3, 2009

Facebook users under cyberattack

Facebook users under cyberattack Like this story. Share it with Yahoo. Buzz Facebookx-large Two top botnet gangs are bombarding Facebook members with targeted phishing emails.

October 28, 2009

Ask Sid: Cash vs. Debit, Credit

Chances are you’ll spend less money if you use cash for your purchases rather than a credit card or gift certificate.

October 27, 2009

Scam Alert: ‘Gift Card’ Survey Opens Floodgates for Solicitations, Spam

Some online surveys promise a reward such as a free gift card from a third-party company but seem to be ploys to collect and then sell your contact information.

October 26, 2009

Ask Sid: Make a Plan to Virus-Scan

How often should I scan my computer with antivirus software, and can I do it on the cheap?

October 22, 2009