Former hacker turned security expert Kevin Mitnick points out that hackers are profit-oriented. Mitnick demonstrates how easily he is able to access someone’s private information with just one small detail such as a name.
Mitnick wants you to understand the vulnerabilities:
- Never use personal, non-public identifiers as any means of authentication, because it is simply too easy for bad guys to obtain.
- Entering your phone number into an internet search engine can return a map of where you live, and could potentially lead to other private information about you.
- If your phone number does turn up that information, your number will likely be hyperlinked. Clicking on the link should take you to the phone book page with various options, one of which will be a link to remove your name or listing from the list.
- Unfortunately, removing your name from one list does not remove them from all. So you may want to repeat these steps at various search engines.
Check out the National Consumer’s League site for more tips to avoid phishing and other cyber frauds. The FTC also has great multimedia resources on their site, including more ways crooks might try to take advantage of you, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Additionally, check out our posts on foiling a con-artist and on identifying an email hoax.
7 Comments on "Outsmart Scammers: Are You Leaving An Online Trail For Crooks To Follow?"
Randy Cox
Gretings;
While watching your program this evening, Kevin Mitnick announced that he did seminairs and that he had done one in St.Louis, MO.
How can I get a copy or list of his speaking engagemnts. Or, can you tell me when he will beholding a seminar in he Fort Worth-Dallas, Texas area.
Thank you:
Randy Cox
Mariah Gonzales
the other day a man called my husbands cell and on his cell display it said our home number. My husband answered and it was a man stating that he had a package to deliver at our home but no one was there. ( I was home) no man was at my door. But our home phone number was being used. Is this possiable and How? Even my cell bill said that my husband recieved a phone call from home. But I did not call him and no man was in my house except my baby and I. The man even calle dmy husbands boss cell phone and it to said my home number. I cantacted both my phone company and law inforcment and the said that that is impossible. I think not cause it happened to us. BUT HOW?
Holly Nuese
It is absolutely terrifying how easily people can just vanish with other people’s children. I think the best way to prevent it is always have a safety person, so the day care and all other agencies will know for a fact that that person has your permission to pick up your children. I have two children under the age of 5 and I would never leave them unattended, whether it be at home to take the garbage out or to go check the mail. And I dont see how any parent would think it ok to go to dinner without an adult home with their children no matter how close and no matter their age.
Louis Donald
Since July 2007, I have received several IM’s from girls who say that are from Gahana Africa. These people IM me for a week, then all of them have asked me if i’m single, anf when i say yes to them, they proceed to tell me how in love they have become to me. All of them have asked for money so they can come to the US and to be with me. Why are all of these ladies from Gahana? And no other place? I can tell two of the ladies are typing from a script, or inserting text. How?
Chuck
My comment is in responce to Mariah Gonzales. There is a way that someone can call you using your number. That could be done from outside your home from the box that usually is near or on the house. I have seen the phone company use this to check the line. I don’t know if they need a certain type of phone ( maybe one that a phone company would use ). I don’t know why someone would do that. Maybe its some kind of prank? You definitely need to call the phone company again and insist that they check into it.
cascade
I have purchased several cards to buy things off the internet,( without fear of bank account overdraw.) Not even a month later we had a weird dude calling stating he was my american boyfriend?!?I stated who are you,and never call again. It happened one other time with my same responce. Very naughtey dude. I’ve been celebate 4-almost 5yrs. Loving the freedom from abuse! I did give my phone number while ordering, so ups and or other deliverers could call about my orders.. Be careful! “Oh… baby, baby…….It’s a wild world.’
cascade
I also had a person from another country e-mail stating their dad was a millionare, she just needed an american bank acct. and a guardian to watch over it till she could find a way to America. I would have gotten 20 percent of the million. Look under Gov. pages Better buis. I called the wrong number the first time…. They will redirect you helpfully, gladley. JUST don’t be victim
Please Leave a Comment!