Monday, November 23, 2009
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Tsunami spurs online scammers, Hawaii BBB warns
By Star-Bulletin staff
POSTED: 08:43 a.m. HST, Oct 01, 2009
Hawaii's Better Business Bureau is alerting the public to beware of Internet scammers trying to take advantage of interest in the Samoan tsunami and other recent natural disasters.
"Since Hawaii has large Samoan and Togan populations, many of whom have loved ones in these Pacific islands, we think it's important to warn about these malicious online activities," said Dwight Kealoha, chief executive officer of Hawaii's BBB.
Scammers are quick to respond to newsworthy events, such as these natural disasters, because they know the topics create a lot of interest and concern, he said.
Here's how the scams work, according to the BBB:
>> Anti-virus scammers use search engine optimization techniques to ensure that their Web sites are among Google's top results -- Hawaii's BBB found malicious links in the first 10 search results -- and use keywords based on Twitter's trending topics in related tweets.
>> Clicking on a malicious search result or tweet related to the tsunami produces an authentic-looking warning that the computer is infected and launches a fake anti-virus scan.
>> Attempts to stop the scareware attack by clicking to cancel or closing the window results in more pop-up windows with even more menacing warnings. Eventually, users are prompted to install a program that almost certainly contains viruses or other harmful files.
To help protect against these malicious online scams, Hawaii's BBB recommends:
>> Maintaining your computer with critical operating system updates and current anti-virus software from a name you trust;
>> And ensuring that all security patches and updates are installed for your Web browser and other Internet-based programs.
For more advice about online safety or finding trustworthy charities to support Pacific island disaster relief efforts, visit the BBB Web site at bbb.org.
Hawaii's Better Business Bureau is alerting the public to beware of Internet scammers trying to take advantage of interest in the Samoan tsunami and other recent natural disasters.
"Since Hawaii has large Samoan and Togan populations, many of whom have loved ones in these Pacific islands, we think it's important to warn about these malicious online activities," said Dwight Kealoha, chief executive officer of Hawaii's BBB.
Scammers are quick to respond to newsworthy events, such as these natural disasters, because they know the topics create a lot of interest and concern, he said.
Here's how the scams work, according to the BBB:
>> Anti-virus scammers use search engine optimization techniques to ensure that their Web sites are among Google's top results -- Hawaii's BBB found malicious links in the first 10 search results -- and use keywords based on Twitter's trending topics in related tweets.
>> Clicking on a malicious search result or tweet related to the tsunami produces an authentic-looking warning that the computer is infected and launches a fake anti-virus scan.
>> Attempts to stop the scareware attack by clicking to cancel or closing the window results in more pop-up windows with even more menacing warnings. Eventually, users are prompted to install a program that almost certainly contains viruses or other harmful files.
To help protect against these malicious online scams, Hawaii's BBB recommends:
>> Maintaining your computer with critical operating system updates and current anti-virus software from a name you trust;
>> And ensuring that all security patches and updates are installed for your Web browser and other Internet-based programs.
For more advice about online safety or finding trustworthy charities to support Pacific island disaster relief efforts, visit the BBB Web site at bbb.org.
Today’s Edition
- Troubled bridges over island waters
- Man shot in police encounter
- 70 U.S. Army reservists receive warrior citizen awards
- Family raises $66,000 for son's liver surgery
- Ocean Watch: A love of fish catches new friends, families
- Island Images
- Newswatch
- Police and Fire
- Trader with a taste for risk fishes for tuna from a kayak
- Deal will turn a hospital private, with goal of efficiency
- Readers asked to share holiday horrors
- Easing holiday stress
- It's About Time: An annual reality check can help you reorganize
- Da Kine
- Pet Ohana
- Got nutrients?
- Wahine dominate All-WAC honors
- Hawaii starts defense of its WAC tourney title tomorrow
- Crucial homestand for chance at bowl
- Five big plays from Hawaii's 17-10 victory
- Further Review: Streak means nothing with 8-3 Navy heading in
- Garcia advances at Reef Hawaiian Pro
- Hawaii Beat
- Scoreboard
- Television & Radio
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