More Facebook, Twitter Scams to Avoid

From get-rich-quick schemes to pornographic robots, the latest social networking scams reveal just how much more sophisticated the crooks are getting

It has been proven that even though social network users are concerned with their security, they don't take the proper precautions to protect themselves.  They will suffer from malware, phishing, weak passwords and scams.  Scams, from year to year, have become more sophisticated and tricky. 

Tweet for cash - Can you imagine getting paid for tweeting?  Remember the email scam where you could work from home emailing and make money?  Now it's twitter.  Those who fall for the scheme will be asked to pay $1.95 for a Twitter for Cash Starter Kit.  They are asked to put in their credit card for payment.  Now this person/company has your credit card to use and do with what they want to.  Of course you get the kit usually with a free trial period.  But by the time you get your credit card bill, you have charges on your bill that you didn't authorize.

Ur Cute-Msg Me on MSN - Again this is another scam that was used with email.  This one is where you get a tweet that features a sexy woman instead of the 140 word tweet.  Embedded in the picture is a msg asking you to contact them on MSN.  The conversation in the chat room isn't even with a real person. This bot is programmed to get you to an adult website and the rest is history.

Social networking is the now crave to keep in touch with family and friends.  Unfortunately, scammers see it as an opportunity to take advantage of users.  They have gotten very innovative too. User will need to be more careful.  Awareness is the name of the game.  Using common sense, most of the time, will suffice. 

Being on guard every time you twitter or write in Facebook tires me out.  I would rather leave it alone and write a letter or go visit someone to communicate with them.  I know twitter and Facebook span over millions and millions of miles.  Their messages that are sent are instantaneously received saving time and money.  Call me ole skool...I value my safety.

Remember:  If it sounds too good to be true...it is.  If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...it's a duck. 

Facebook Wants Your Phone Number for Security Purposes

Have you entered your phone number into Facebook yet?  They say it is for SECURITY reasons.  Then they have a link on their website to click that gives you tips about Facebook security... https://www.facebook.com/about/security.  When you click on this link this is what they tell you about the phone number...

Confirm your mobile number:

If you forget your password, we'll be able to text you a new one. To make sure we can reach you, confirm your mobile number.

 

That's why they want your phone number.  Well, I don't trust Facebook.  I don't use it that much.  For that reason I will not be complying to their request.  I know that my phone number would only be in my profile and only those who have the need-to-know will see it.  But I can't get to the point to register my cell number with that website.

My name is Deborah D. Dryver.  I am working on my CIS degree at Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE.  The assignment is to open a blog and weekly research the course topic 'Information Security Management' and post to this blog what I have found.

I welcome your feedback, comments and opinions.

Thank You,
Debbi D.