Scambook Cautions About New Generation of Scams Exploiting Bad Email Habits
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 17, 2013 -- Scambook, the Internet's leading complaint resolution platform, wants to educate the public about bad email habits that may place them at increased risk for online scams, identity theft and fraud.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) estimates that fraudulent online activity has increased 8% since 2011, a statistic also reflected in the complaints received by Scambook. Consumers can help protect themselves by implementing a few changes in how they use email.
"Now that email has become such a core part of our lives, many of us take email privacy and security for granted," said Kase Chong, Scambook's Director of Marketing. "There's an entire generation of scammers devoted to email scams such as phishing and wire transfer fraud, therefore consumers need to be aware of these threats and exercise greater caution with their email."
According to Scambook, there are hundreds of variations to these email scams designed to steal consumers' private information, hack their computers or trick them into giving their bank account numbers or wiring money.
While security software and anti-spam filters are able to block a significant percentage of these threats, consumers are still at risk if they engage in certain "bad habits" while using email. Experts at Scambook have compiled a list of common email pitfalls with solutions to help boost email security:
1. Checking Email on Public WiFi. Even if a network is password protected, email information shared over the network can be accessed by hackers who too are connected to the network. Scambook recommends avoiding using public WiFi whenever possible.
If this cannot be avoided, consumers are advised to ensure their computer or mobile device is protected by the most up-to-date security software available.
2. Staying Signed In on Mobile Devices. By staying automatically signed into email on a mobile device, such as an iPhone, consumers are more vulnerable to roaming hackers.
Scambook recommends logging out of email accounts after each session and remaining logged out when not in use.
3. Using the Same Username and Password on Other Sites. Many consumers repeat their email address username and password when creating accounts for other websites. This is a very dangerous habit where if hacked, cyber criminals can use the information to breach the user's email account.
Consumers are advised to create brand new usernames and never repeat passwords.
4. Keeping Old Emails with Personal Information. Due to the vast amount of free storage space offered by many email providers, consumers may be tempted to never delete old emails. However, these old emails can contain sensitive personal information that could place them at risk of identity theft if hacked.
Scambook advises deleting any email that is no longer relevant and emptying email trash on a regular basis.
Scambook also encourages consumers to educate themselves about different types of email scams and follow the latest news in consumer threats to avoid being a victim. Additional information is available on http://www.scambook.com/blog
ABOUT SCAMBOOK
Scambook is an online complaint resolution platform dedicated to obtaining justice for victims of fraud with unprecedented speed and accuracy. By building communities and providing resources on the latest scams, Scambook arms consumers with the up-to-date information they need to stay on top of emerging schemes. Since its inception, Scambook has resolved over $2 million in reported consumer damages. For more information, visit scambook.com.
Judy Dixon, PMBC Group, (310) 777-7546, [email protected]
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