Health

American Life

HERE COMES THE SCAM:

Subj: AOL Billing Center
Date: 1/10/2003 10:13:03 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: aolbilling@billing.com
To: go4fun@aol.com, JMcCorm215@aol.com, wilderyard@aol.com, TerryPugh@aol.com, MurrayG508@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)

Dear America Online user,

Welcome to AOL's Billing Center!
We've worked hard to help make America
Online even better! However, we have to
ask for a NEW credit card so we can update
your Billing information. Please be advised
this is mandatory. If we do not get your
updated Billing information, your account
will be voided and cancelled.

Before we start, please have the following:
- Your last Billing Statement.
- Your current credit cards.
- Any relevant information.

The site http://www.aolbillingcenter.n3.net has been
created as a secure transaction site for information
over the Internet. Understand that you have been
referred to this site for one of the reasons, stated
on it. Please fill out the requested information
contained within this site, so that we at America
Online are able to continue providing Internet service
to your account.

Please refer to the following address at your early convenience:

http://www.aolbillingcenter.n3.net

We are sorry for this incontinence, but in the long run,
this will help keep your Billing
information safe and secure.
Remember: Only authorized AOL Staff members
will use this information!

AOL Billing Center
© 2003 America Online, Inc. All rights reserved.

Just as you are always advised to be on the "lookout" in the offline world and carry with you a healthy dose of common sense and "street smarts," you must do the same in the online world. A number of hoaxes, scams and e-mail viruses have popped up on the Internet. You can steer clear of untruths by using the Internet to debunk the very rumors and hoaxes that are spread on it. While online, watch for the following:

(1) Scam E-mails -- Con artists have been perpetrating scam operations for decades. Now more than ever, the stakes are higher as they've got easy access to millions of people. There are ways to take proactive steps toward protecting yourself while online, such as never giving out your password, billing information or other personal information to strangers online. Because it is easy to fake e-mail addresses, be mindful of who you're listening to or talking with before you give out personal information. Don't click on hyperlinks or download attachments from people or web sites you don't know. Be skeptical of any company that doesn't clearly state its name, physical address and telephone number.

(2) Hoaxes -- Is Static Electricity the cause of fires at gas stations?  If I forward this e-mail will I win a trip to Disney World? These are just a sampling of the rumors and hoaxes circulating around the Internet.  The Internet has a long tradition of incubating hoaxes--we have all received the e-mail with the promise that the first 25,000 people to respond will receive money.  But, you can take matters into your own hands and debunk the myths yourself by consulting helpful sites like Urban Legends and Folklore. Be careful, because you don't want to ignore something when it might be true.

(3) Online Threats -- Because of its inherent anonymity factor, the Internet can be used to spread threats and instill fear. All potential threats should be taken very seriously. If you are threatened in any way or witness a threat against someone else, children should notify a parent and parents should reach out to law enforcement and AOL's 24/7 customer service helpline or AOL Keyword: Notify AOL.

(4) Viruses -- Virus creators are always trying to take advantage of holidays and annual calendar events. These viruses, which make our computers sick, often come disguised as something else like a Christmas joke or an address book mailing, e.g., Melissa virus. A simple but effective rule to avoid viruses is: Never download files from people you are not expecting something from, especially if you don't know the person. And, most importantly, be sure to keep your anti-virus software up to date as friends can unwittingly send on a virus. Also see AOL Keyword: Anti-Virus Center.

(5) Use Parental Controls -- On the Internet, anyone can be anyone, anywhere, anytime. You need to look out for your family too. Use filtering software to protect your children and make sure they know to tell you if they see anything strange or anyone asks them for personal information. Parental controls can also offer tools to set who your children can receive e-mail from. Know who they're talking to and the websites they visit. See AOL Keyword: AOL Parental Controls.

Here are some top tips on how to avoid online scams, viruses, and hoaxes:

1. Always take online threats seriously and notify a parent, law enforcement and AOL.
2. If you come across an e-mail that alarms you and want to determine its validity, visit sites that debunk myths like Urban Legends and Folklore.
3. Never give out your password or billing information to anyone online.
4. Be skeptical of donating money to any company that doesn't clearly state its name, physical address and telephone number. Check it out with a local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection office or the state Attorney General where the organization is located.
5. Use parental controls to protect your kids online.
6. Don't click on hyperlinks or download attachments from strangers.
7. When it comes to shopping online, look for a privacy policy. If you don't see one or can't understand it--consider taking your business elsewhere.