Scam Others on the Internet, It's Cool!

So many scam e-mails, lately, that I'm starting to think this might be some new fashion trend or something. Hackers use all sorts of high-profile company names in order to trick users into clicking on links and then have their data phished. Of course, I was just being a bit ironic in the title, do not scam people on the Internet, or it will lead to serious consequences.

I am going to present here a standard scam message:

First, the hacker addresses the victim in a polite way and states that he is a representative of some corporation (usually something big to which the victim can relate). Shortly after the malicious user will say, in the same official/polite language, why he has decided to contact you. He also makes it clear that this is for your own good. Oh, how they're so caring!

Afterwards, he just inserts some bogus data or facts, that you probably won't read, because some are in techie tongue that only few understand anyway. That crap is supposed to convince you of the fact that this is a genuine message from the original company. Do not fall for this, no matter how those details look like.

After the bogus, comes the part where they show their concern for your security - hackers often use this trick! And in their concern for your well being, to make sure that nothing bad will happen to you because of the "bla-bla" they had stated above, you need to click on a certain link to check something with them. Of course, when you click it, you get infected, and if that doesn't cut it for them, the link will probably take you to a site that will ask you for personal data. If you do input the data, it will go to the hackers. I think I've said this quite a few times before.

Also, the e-mails will be written in a very official language, to make you think they are genuine. Also, they will give you some names and addresses of people that probably don't even exist, for you to contact in case anything could go wrong. Please don't fall for this!

You can see what a standard-issue spam-scam e-mail (with PayPal involved) looks like, by clicking this here link.