Explore the latest news and trends  

Sign up for our weekly security newsletter


Be the first to receive important updates on security





Send

Cyber-Miscreants Hack into the E-Mail Account of Freelance Reporter

Rowenna Davis a freelance reporter says exasperatedly that a hacker acquired admission into her electronic mail account and abused it, lately. Dailymail.co.uk published this on October 16, 2011.

Actually, Ms. Davis realized the problem when, while attending a meeting, her cell-phone started ringing in crazily fast successions.

About 5,000 people got a message from her electronic mail account describing her pitiful condition after muggers attacked her with a gun in Madrid (Spain). The robber took away her credit cards and cell-phone and she now urgently required money. The e-mail also mentioned a phone number of the hotel she was apparently lodging in, while there was an account for her with Western Union where the money could be wire transferred.

Disturbingly, Ms Davis had been struck with a scam that's popularly called "stranded traveler's scam," which's another version of the notorious "419 scam" or "advance fee fraud," remark security researchers.

The researchers, elaborating the mode of operation of such scams, state that they involve one victimized user, who gets an e-mail his colleague alternatively friend sent, like Rowenna Davis in the current instance, asserting that she/he is stuck abroad, like Madrid in the aforementioned case, and requires urgent assistance of the e-mail receiver for returning home. Seemingly coming from the actual e-mail account of the friend, the message may also show its recipient an e-mail signature, which the friend normally utilizes while e-mailing. Naturally, it can make one think that the message is authentic, at an initial sight, at least. Nonetheless, the e-mails bear smart craftsmanship through which the scammers dupe people into transferring cash that really lands up with them, the researchers additionally explain.

But, for not getting victimized with such scams, security specialists outline certain security suggestions. One, taking note whether money is being requested in the e-mail. Incase some known person has sent it, the recipient can ask himself why the sender didn't call him. Actually, one must always directly contact the person making such requests to find out whether they're genuine. Finally, such e-mails shouldn't be answered rather deleted, while a case filed with the area agency of law enforcement.

Related article: Cyber Child abuser Sentenced To Imprisonment

ยป SPAMfighter News - 10/24/2011

3 simple steps to update drivers on your Windows PCSlow PC? Optimize your Slow PC with SLOW-PCfighter!Email Cluttered with Spam? Free Spam Filter!

Dear Reader

We are happy to see you are reading our IT Security News.

We do believe, that the foundation for a good work environment starts with fast, secure and high performing computers. If you agree, then you should take a look at our Business Solutions to Spam Filter & Antivirus for even the latest version of Exchange Servers - your colleagues will appreciate it!

Go back to previous page
Next