Celebrity News Scams
Celebrity News Scams
With the current news about the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, it's a good idea to be on the lookout for scams that attempt to use these events to infect your computer or steal your personal information.
Every time a disaster happens or news about some celebrity reaches the media, malware writers try to take advantage of it. Most often these scams arrive through email messages. Watch out for spam offering links to "news" or "pictures" of deceased celebrities. Most of the time these messages will take you to websites offering advertisements for pharmacy products such as Viagra and Cialis or, worse yet, will try to install a computer virus, password stealer, or keystroke logger on your machine.
Another way to infect unsuspecting users looking for celebrity news is a technique known as search engine optimization. Hackers use SEO to make sure links to their fake websites appear near the top of search results that offer "more information" about current trendy news. When you click on one of these links malware may be installed on your PC without your knowledge.
The best way to avoid falling victim to one of these celebrity news scams is to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited email or instant messages. You should also get your news from reputable sites such as AOL and CNN. Finally, you should make sure you have up-to-date security software. AOL members on paid plans can download comprehensive security from McAfee here. Free AOL members receive a substantial discount on McAfee® Internet Security Suite - Special Edition from AOL.
McAfee, Inc. 3965 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, CA 95054, 888.847.8766, www.mcafee.com
McAfee and/or additional marks herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of McAfee, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. McAfee Red in connection with security is distinctive of McAfee brand products. All other registered and unregistered trademarks herein are the sole property of their respective owners. © 2009 McAfee, Inc. All rights reserved
With the current news about the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, it's a good idea to be on the lookout for scams that attempt to use these events to infect your computer or steal your personal information.
Every time a disaster happens or news about some celebrity reaches the media, malware writers try to take advantage of it. Most often these scams arrive through email messages. Watch out for spam offering links to "news" or "pictures" of deceased celebrities. Most of the time these messages will take you to websites offering advertisements for pharmacy products such as Viagra and Cialis or, worse yet, will try to install a computer virus, password stealer, or keystroke logger on your machine.
Another way to infect unsuspecting users looking for celebrity news is a technique known as search engine optimization. Hackers use SEO to make sure links to their fake websites appear near the top of search results that offer "more information" about current trendy news. When you click on one of these links malware may be installed on your PC without your knowledge.
The best way to avoid falling victim to one of these celebrity news scams is to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited email or instant messages. You should also get your news from reputable sites such as AOL and CNN. Finally, you should make sure you have up-to-date security software. AOL members on paid plans can download comprehensive security from McAfee here. Free AOL members receive a substantial discount on McAfee® Internet Security Suite - Special Edition from AOL.
McAfee, Inc. 3965 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, CA 95054, 888.847.8766, www.mcafee.com
McAfee and/or additional marks herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of McAfee, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. McAfee Red in connection with security is distinctive of McAfee brand products. All other registered and unregistered trademarks herein are the sole property of their respective owners. © 2009 McAfee, Inc. All rights reserved
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