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Watch For Scams Newsletter. HTK4S anti-virus/anti-spam scam
July 14, 2011
Hello

HTK4S anti-virus/anti-spam scam

Watch For Scams is dedicated to helping you avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

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HTK4S anti-virus/anti-spam scam

You may receive an email message that claims to be from "WebEmail Support", advising that the security on your email account needs to be improved.

The message claims that the “new F-Secure HTK4S anti-virus/anti-spam 2011-version” needs to be added to your account and that you must therefore send your account email address and password. The message warns that, if you don't provide the requested information, your email address will be temporarily disabled.

The email is not from "WebEmail Support" and has no connection with the security company, F-Secure. The message is an amateurish attempt to trick you into divulging your email account login details.

The scammers have attempted to make their false claims a little more believable by including the name of F-Secure, a genuine and well respected organization. They also make the false claim that login information sent by you will be encrypted for further security, which is untrue.

If you fall for the scam and send your email address and password, you will be providing Internet criminals with the means to hijack your web based email accounts and use them for further scam attempts as well as to send spam in the hijacked user’s name.

Internet criminals have repeatedly used very similar schemes to trick users into handing over access to their email accounts.

No legitimate email service provider will ask their users to provide their account login details by replying to an email. Any message that makes such a request should be treated with suspicion.

If you have been a victim of this type of scam or any other Cyber crime, you can report it to the IC3 website at: www.IC3.gov. The IC3 complaint database links complaints for potential referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency for case consideration. Complaint information is also used to identity emerging trends and patterns.

Remember - always watch for scams!

Steve

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