| Beware of a New Scam Aimed at Bargain-Hunters | | | | This makes such a scam very dangerous. It is the user |
| Trying to buy something cheap is absolutely | | | | who finds the "bargain"; no spam or pop-up ad is |
| natural--and online crooks set traps for unwitting | | | | involved-- actually, nobody either forces or tries to |
| bargain-hunters. On April 6 Panda Software warned | | | | persuade the user to buy something. This tactic is |
| Internet users of a new particularly brazen scam | | | | bound to be "effective", if such a word is appropriate |
| aimed at stealing confidential information. Several | | | | here. That is why it is extremely likely that there will be |
| websites offering cheap airline tickets in fact weren't | | | | other websites and other scams using the same |
| selling anything; the aim was to cheat users out of | | | | pattern. |
| credit card details. | | | | Too Cheap to be a Bargain? You'd Better Steer Clear |
| Of course, these sites have already been identified | | | | How to avoid this kind of fraud? "Users are best |
| and disabled, but who knows whether (or better to | | | | advised to treat 'bargains' with suspicion, and only |
| say when) other ones will appear again, this time | | | | make online purchases from trusted sites. In any event, |
| offering all kinds of products. | | | | if in doubt, it is a good idea to search for information |
| The scam is very simple; the thieves simply wait until | | | | about the website in question on the Internet. Users |
| some unsuspecting user who is searching for airline | | | | should be able to find opinions and experiences of |
| ticket offers, finds their site offering dirt-cheap airline | | | | other users who have used the same service," says |
| tickets. Really pleased with himself and looking forward | | | | Luis Corrons. |
| to the trip, the user fills in the form, entering his credit | | | | That's all users can do so far -- to steer clear of |
| card number, expiry date and verification value (CVV). | | | | suspicious bargains and to check the firm one is going |
| As soon as these details have been entered, an error | | | | to buy from. Of course, the authorities are informed; |
| page appears; it tells the user that the transaction has | | | | these cybercriminals will be tracked, caught and sent |
| been unsuccessful, and offers instructions on how to | | | | to jail. |
| pay for the ticket by postal money order. So the user | | | | But this entire story gives a strong impression that |
| may well be fooled twice. He loses his credit card | | | | cybercrooks are becoming more and more |
| details, putting them right into the hands of | | | | shameless. People get cheated when they expect it |
| cyber-crooks, and then loses money, if decides to buy | | | | the least -- just remember bogus appeals to make |
| the ticket by money order. | | | | donations for tsunami victims. |
| Luis Corrons, the director of PandaLabs, comments on | | | | Such criminals are impudently taking advantage over |
| this scam: "This kind of online fraud differs from those | | | | majority of people -- over those who remember the |
| witnessed previously. The malicious user does not | | | | Golden rule and expect others to behave the same |
| contact the person interested in buying the product, but | | | | way. That is why everybody who either falls the victim |
| it is actually the buyer, in searching for the best prices | | | | of this --or any other--scam, or learns about such |
| online, who goes to the fraudulent web page. This | | | | incidents, should make this information public. This will |
| creates a false sense of security that can lead users | | | | be a small contribution that may help to curb growing |
| to proceed with the transaction". | | | | cybercrime. |