This week’s tip comes from two authors who told me they had no experience with being scammed while traveling. Neither had been the victim of a crime while traveling, but both travel extensively, including international flights. Interestingly enough, they both had similar experiences when it came to buying “discounted” tickets.Libby Hellman is a bestselling author whose … [Read more...] about Two thriller authors—one travel tip
Scams & Cons
CryptoLocker malware hits personal and business email
An FBI press release issued on Oct. 28 warned PC users about Cryptolocker, a ransomware campaign that has been extorting money from computer users. The warning said, “The FBI is aware of a file encrypting Ransomware known as CryptoLocker. Businesses are receiving email with alleged customer complaints containing an attachment that when opened, appears as a window and is in fact … [Read more...] about CryptoLocker malware hits personal and business email
Disaster Relief Fraud – two sides of the scam
I was contacted by a reader recently who is on a campaign to raise awareness about disaster relief fraud. The US Government Accounting Office estimates that $1 billion in fraudulent claims were paid after Hurricane Katrina. In fact, the reader who wrote to me is still in a lawsuit involving victims of that disaster, of which she is one.One of the real problems with disaster … [Read more...] about Disaster Relief Fraud – two sides of the scam
Expect the unexpected
Did you catch these travel stories? Travel agent Natalie Compagno gives a great tip to deal with credit card theft and travel writer Janet Brown talks about her nightmare taxi ride in Bangkok. With the launch this past week of “Kauai Temptations,” I decided that this week’s travel scam tip should focus on identity theft. Specifically, how my identity was stolen while we were … [Read more...] about Expect the unexpected
The Microsoft Email Award scam
Like this? Take a look at these other email scam posts. The Avaya Modular Messaging Scam and Bankruptcy services firm becomes latest email scam target On Oct. 23, the “Microsoft Online Email Award” notifications were sent out. The only problem is that this “award” is a scam. This particular email reads as follows: Final confirmationWe are delighted to announce that your … [Read more...] about The Microsoft Email Award scam