Avoiding Scam and Viral Email Messages

With the vast of spam/scam/viruses out there, sometimes you get bad messages that appears to be real. Always remember, no real message will ask for any of your private information. You created the passwords and logon when you signed up with a website, so you don't need to send them to them.

Do not click to open/read suspicious messages, this can open viruses. One quick way to figure things out is hit reply. Look at the email address. All real messages from those you have a connection with can be visually verified by checking the return email address. If it does not match known address, forward the whole email to their place of businesses. All banks, retail, etc have a theft address. Go to the web page and at the bottom there will be a link to CONTACT US. Fill out the form or follow their instructions.

It is important that you follow through even if you have updates daily. I use Norton Internet Security and there are daily updates against fraud. Also make sure your ISP has their detectors up and running, but understand what they do is not a total security. You must have your own fire walls and security up. My desktop has a different one than my laptop does.

By Joyce from Benson, MN