| E-cards (or electronic greeting cards) have become a | | | | an alternative browser, like Mozilla Firefox. Many |
| popular, convenient and inexpensive method of sending | | | | scams exploit security holes in Internet Explorer.o |
| greetings to friends, family and business associates for | | | | Whichever browser you use, make sure you |
| many computer users. Currently, there are thousands | | | | download all new security updates.o Don't open any |
| of e-card companies. E-card companies are becoming | | | | cards with attachments. |
| increasingly creative with many including options to add | | | | There are still many legitimate e-card companies out |
| audio, video or animations to your messages. With | | | | there and sending e-cards can be fun. Below are a |
| e-cards increasing in popularity, they are now being | | | | few well-established, reputable e-card companies:o |
| heavily to download spyware and perpetuate Internet | | | | Blue Mountain- Hallmark- Egreeting- |
| fraud on unsuspecting users. | | | | If you have already accidentally opened a suspicious |
| A legitimate looking e-card, once clicked on and/or | | | | looking e-card, there are several things you can do:o |
| downloaded could actually contain spyware, spam or a | | | | Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, by calling |
| computer virus. Some examples of this include: | | | | one of the three main credit reporting agencies, |
| displays of obscene images, pop-up ads, launching of | | | | Equifax (1-800-525-6285), Experian (1-888-397-3742) |
| adult websites or spoofing of your email address to | | | | and TransUnion (1-800-680-7289). If you file a report, it |
| send e-cards to others (making them appear as if | | | | helps minimize the damage an online criminal can do.o |
| they came from you). | | | | Monitor your financial statements closely. Look for |
| Below are some signs of a fake e-card:o Spelling | | | | small unexplained charges around the $25 or $30 |
| errors, or misspellings of your own name.o Errors | | | | mark.o File a police report if you suspect your personal |
| within the message of the card.o You don't recognize | | | | information has been stolen.o Cancel any credit cards |
| the card's sender.o The sender has a bogus name like: | | | | or bank accounts you fear may have been |
| Joe Cool or Secret Admirer.o It comes from a bizarre | | | | compromised. |
| looking URL. | | | | Like any popular activity pursued on the Internet, |
| Ways to avoid fake e-cards:o If there is any doubt, | | | | e-cards can be a potential source of spyware and/or |
| don't open it.o Never click on links or open attachments | | | | Internet fraud. However, by following a few common |
| from an unknown source.o Never accept the terms of | | | | sense tips and being aware of the warning signs, you |
| any End User License Agreement without first reading | | | | can help protect yourself from this new trend in |
| the terms in fine print.o Use antivirus software, like | | | | computer crime. |
| StopSign Internet Security and keep it up to date.o Use | | | | |