Antivirus Help Center Warns: Dont Open That Email!

Cyber criminals are out in full force as the summer approaches. They await their prey as consumers begin to take to the internet in search of the cheapest vacations, the best deals on products, or even summer employment. Be on your guard as you do not want to be their next victim.

Does this leave you wondering how cyber criminals are affecting consumers through the internet? The answer is simple, really. They are attacking you through your very own computer by sending out various types of spam emails. Some of these attach viruses to your computer, while others give cyber criminals access to various types of personal information which can lead to identity theft.

One such case is an email that is going around that poses to be an email from Amazon. While the email looks like a newsletter from Amazon, it even has an Amazon email address and various product endorsements, its links lead to a malicious website. The site has since been taken down, but as we have seen on numerous occasions it will probably be replaced with a similar site within the day, sometimes even hours.

Other emails going around use fear in order to entice internet users to visit their website. Once such fear tactic that is being used is a warning that the user’s computer has a virus. This one appears through a pop-up and will lead them to a fraudulent website that will recommend them to purchase antivirus protection software. Once the user ‘purchases’ the software, the cyber criminals then have access to the user’s credit card information once they have entered it for payment for the software.

Another such email that is going around is one that poses to be from PayPal. Upon entry into the website, the victim is then instructed to log into their account, using sensitive information such as credit card numbers, bank PIN numbers, their Social Security Number, and the list goes on. Once this information is collected, the attacker then uses it to hack into the users account and drain it of its funds.

With the internet and all of the different graphic software out there, cyber criminals can pose as any financial institute, company, or whatever their next scam may be. Consumers need to be on the lookout for emails, such as these, that ask for any financial information such as their bank PIN number, their Social Security Number, or their mother’s maiden name.

Consumers should also protect themselves with legit antivirus protection software. This software is developed in order to weed out these threats for consumers. They have the ability to warn you against entering an untrusted site, protect you from harmful emails, and keep you safe from criminals stealing you online banking indentity.

Here are some common questions to ask yourself to see if you may be at risk:

Do you ever open emails from an unknown sender?

When was the last time you scanned your computer for viruses?

Do you have a 2010 version of antivirus protection installed in your computer?

Does your computer feel bogged down or is it running slower than the day you purchased it?

If you answered YES to any of these questions you may be at serious risk!

Check out our Antivirus Solutions Page for the best antivirus software products and available Free scans to protect your computer.

George Steel - Covers internet security issues, malicious sites, computer virus threats from all around the world, and general technology breaking news for Antivirus Help Center.

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