Simplified Security When Dealing With Someone Via Email.

From time to time we may have dealt with people whom we have just met online.  Casual interactions could be anything from selling or buying an item on Craigslist, or using a mailing service.  We have all read or heard about international scam operators who prey on the uninformed, and heart wrenching tales of elderly people whom have been swindled out of thousands of dollars usually make for human interest stories on the evening news. 

For those who don't have the time to exercise extreme paranoid caution I have put together three easy steps which I hope will help you.

STEP 1.   Check the source.

Ask yourself.  Why is this person sending me an email?  If you are directly selling something online then be sure that the body of the message references the item you are selling directly, but remain cautious as scammers "troll" through craigslist ads responding to everything. 

Here is an email I received earlier this week.

Hi Friend

I have viewed your advert. You do not have to be rid of 2005 Tank Vision R3. 250cc cruiser - $1200 (Oahu). View my weblog for better options. I know you will find it informative.

See The Site Link To See The Site.

Regards
Grant

Here are a few things wrong with this email.

1.  The salutation begins with "Hi Friend".  We are not friends and no person would say that.
2.  This idiot attached a link for me to view.  Do Not Click these links!


Step 2.  Research the sender.

In every email message there is obviously a return address.  Use a site that does reverse email look up like pipl.com.  See if you can find other information leading to this person sending the message.  You can also look up information such as first name, last name, and phone numbers.

Step 3.  Never, EVER, click any links email messages relating to your personal business!

Repeat after me.  "I will NEVER click a link in an email message when it involves my money, login information, or passwords."

Many people have been duped by bogus banking emails.  What these scammers do is create an exact duplicate of a banks web site, then send out thousands of email telling potential victims "Your balance is overdrawn, there is a problem with your account, etc."  If you ever get messages like this then the best solution is to go directly to the website WITHOUT click the link in the email.  Just open a web browser and manually enter the web site address that you know and TRUST.  If you are still confused about a trusted web site, then just call your bank and verify over the phone.


With all of that being said I truly hope that you will be safer online.