CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Cybercreeps are using every trick in the trade to take money from you and your friends. A scam you need to know about involves cybercreeps hijacking your Facebook, email, or Twitter accounts to get to your friends. Former White House cyber security expert, Theresa Payton, gives us more information on how this scam works and how to protect yourself.
How to tune your antenna to spot this scam:
You can tell this is a real problem that others are facing. If you type "What To Do If Your Account Was Hacked" on Google and you will see over 1.8 million results!
4 tips to help you avoid this H.A.C.K.:
WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS BEEN HACKED:
FACEBOOK:
To report this kind of scam to Facebook, visit: http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=419_scam
Facebook write up on the hacked account and money transfer scheme:
http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=420#!/help.php?page=1010
How to report your account as hacked: http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=420
TWITTER:
http://help.twitter.com/forums/10713/entries/31796
GMAIL:
http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=50270
See also: http://www.eztechtips.com/has-my-gmail-account-been-hacked/
DO YOU HAVE A VIRUS?
It is possible that this scenario might have happened through a computer virus.
Stop using your home and work computer until they are checked out. Call your computer support desk or seek out a local expert to assist you with your computer to find and isolate the virus.
Microsoft provides free virus and spyware removal support to Windows customers who think they have an infected computer.
Call: 1-866-PC Safety for phone support.
Online: Microsoft customers can also visit http://safety.live.com for
free online virus and spyware removal.
Apple provides help to computer users that believe their Mac may be infected.
Call: 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273)
Online: Set up a phone appointment
http://www.apple.com/support/expert/ or,
request an in-person appointment at your closest
Apple Store's Genius Bar:
http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ .
BANK ACCOUNTS / CREDIT CARDS:
Check your banking and credit card balances regularly after something like this occurs.
I recommend online alert services where you can set up alerts to notify you if a transaction takes place or if a transaction is over a certain amount. Go to your online banking and credit card page for more information.
CREDIT REPORT:
As a precaution, also FREEZE the credit file. Request alerts on your credit reports. .
Online:
Equifax: http://www.equifax.com
Experian: http://www.experian.com/
TransUnion: http://www.transunion.com/
North Carolina offers a free credit freeze for victims of identity theft - Go to the following website for more information:
http://www.ncdoj.gov/News-and-Alerts/Alerts/Freeze-your-credit-for-free.aspx.
LAW ENFORCEMENT / AUTHORITIES:
Engage authorities. They are committing fraud.
a. File a report at the FBI's IC3.gov.
b. She should contact the Federal Trade Commission.
Federal Trade Commission:
Call: 877-IDTHEFT or 877-438-4338
Online: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft
PRIVACY RIGHTS:
You may also want to review your Privacy Rights at www.privacyrights.org for more information.
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