Crooks scam social web users
Posted on: July 8th, 2007 by Tony DesimasCrooks scam social web users
CRIMINALS are exploiting social networking websites such as MySpace, Facebook and Bebo to trick and defraud users, says a report from security software maker McAfee.
The crooks are befriending users to persuade them to provide personal information, open attachments, and click on links and gain access to online bank accounts, a report conducted by McAfee with forensic psychologist Clive Hollin shows.
McAfee is the world’s second-largest antivirus company.
Online scams are the fastest growing category of fraud in Europe, McAfee says, citing the European Commission. Easy access to details such as users’ nicknames, hobbies and film preferences on social networking sites help scammers trick users through familiarity.
IrishWonder
Old tricks - new ways.
As for users’ hobbies and preferences such as music, films, etc. - ever wonder why these services collect them in the first place? Sure, to help users connect with the other users sharing their interests - but it would be super stupid of them not to use such a wealth of information for things like targeting ads etc. An online social service run smartly is a fortune maker for its owner.
myheadisarocket
Whaaat? Tricking users? Thats APPALLING!