Beware the latest ecard scams: Internet ScamBusters #242
Today's issue answers the most frequent question we've received over the past month: "I'm getting a LOT of ecards all of a sudden: are they real or are they ecard scams? If they're scams, can you explain how they work?"
Ecards are a fast, inexpensive and creative way to send greetings to friends and relatives, but they're also a valuable tool for scammers who want to trick people into downloading viruses, spyware, Trojans and more!
Some scammers actually ask permission to install rogue software on your computer using a "EULA" (End User License Agreement) that most ecard recipients don't bother to read.
Some ecard recipients are told to download certain software to read their message. Then, this program bombards everyone in their address books with scam ecards and unwanted marketing messages.
Discover how to defend against the latest wave of ecard scams!
On to today's main topic...
Ecard Scams: Greetings! A Scammer Has Sent You an Ecard!
Ecards scams have existed since legitimate companies first offered consumers the ability to customize and email REAL greeting cards via the Internet.
Since late spring, however, we've been flooded with emails from ScamBusters readers complaining about a new wave of scam ecards and postcards.
Here's a typical email:
~~~ Begin Ecard Scam Email ~~~
"Subject: You've received a postcard from a Neighbor!
Hi. Neighbor has sent you a postcard.
See your card as often as you wish during the next 15 days.
SEEING YOUR CARD
If your email software creates links to Web pages, click on your card's direct www address below while you are connected to the Internet:
