While we're on the subject of the internet.....


How to avoid Internet Scams


1. Spoof sites....

There are many sites that "spoof" legitimate sites....
for example....if you wanted to go to www.tdbank.com

If you were somehow directed to "www.tdbank.au.com"
It's not the same site....though at first glance it may look the same....
This is how those scammers get to many of us....
They prey on the familiarity, and purposely set up names that may appear similar to the ones we want to go to.

I have to deal with scammers and spammers who try to join this site every day....it has become second nature to me, to learn to recognize the signs....


2. Pop up Window Scams offering free Virus Checks, etc...

A. Many have the ability to set software switches to Dis-allow Pop-ups...which is probably preferred...
B. However, sometimes pop-ups are connected with the content you want to view.....
C. When you get an unwanted Pop-up.....it will often give you an option to say "No". This often happens with a claim that your computer is infected, and there is a free anti-virus program or scan that is being offered......be very aware of these.....they are dangerous...
D. Don't choose that option.....because it's a trap either way...
E. When you run into something like that....simply press your "Control, Alt, and Delete" buttons simultaneously, which will bring up your Task Manager.
F. When that opens up, choose "End Program" and end the program or pop-up that way....
You will save yourself a lot of grief...
G. If you follow this advice, and can learn from Rob's misfortune...you will thank us in the long run.....

**Many of these scammers are out to do you or your computer serious harm..
Most folks are not prepared to do registry search and removal tasks for the various insidious programs and viruses out there.....
They can be quite harmful....even something like a browser re-direct or similar hijack....



3. E-mail Scams...

Last but not least, NEVER open e-mail from someone unknown to you.....mine goes straight to the spam file....if it doesn't it gets deleted immediately...
The latest is where these scammers will hijack the e-mail of someone you know...on your e-mail list...
You get a seemingly innocuous e-mail from them...with no text...just a link which they want you to click on.....
Don't click on the link....
And if possible, notify the person it came from, that their e-mail list has been hijacked.....











**Learn to recognize some of the above for the traps they are, and future major headaches they could be for you.....
And avoid all of them, when possible...


Thanks for sharing your experience, Rob....
You probably helped countless others today, by doing so.......
I'm so very glad it worked out for ya....and thanks to TD Bank and their diligence as well......

If anyone wants to offer advice about other scams here....feel free....