Internet-based Crimes Increased in Shelby County

Al.com reported on 6th October, 2014 stating that the Sheriff's Office of Shelby County which is located in Alabama, United States is warning against an upsurge in online crimes involving viruses which steal passwords and people's money.

Al.com published news on 16th October 2014 quoting an explanation of Ken Burchfield Captain of Sheriff, on the involvement of senior citizens as victims as "We've seen a big increase in Internet fraud through viruses and malwares."

Burchfield added that it is nearly impossible for us to resolve these crimes because they often employ Canadian-based digital computer servers, which are impossible to backtrack.

He strongly requested users to pass on these advisories to others so that they could be careful about emails and attached files, which they open as some are seriously maligned.

He cited the example of a harmful malware that installs a timer while demanding ransom from the owner of the computer and if the owner does not send wire the money before the timer comes to a halt, the computer crashes.

Other programs embezzle passwords and different account numbers from a computer and transfer it to others. Burchfield said that such a situation exposes your files to the criminal when this virus enters your computer.

It is unfortunate that not only residents of Shelby County (Alabama, US) are being targeted by online scams but the whole country seems to be under the threat of online con artists.

The Better Business Bureau during second half of September 2014 warned consumers about an email scam used by con artists to steal identity of a victim.

Dreama Jensen, Director of Better Business Bureau serving northern Indiana has written an article in South Bend Tribune according to which consumers have reported that they have received emails apparently coming from the Social Security Administration, Service Canada or another organization.

The scam email informs the victim that he or she is eligible for a benefit of new government and hence needs to fill out a form online.

A link along with the email is sent to the victim asking for important personal information. But actually, information given in the form can be used to commit theft of identity and could be used to redirect the government benefits of the victim to another account.

» SPAMfighter News - 10/27/2014