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DEL.ICIO.USNow hackers can find out where you live
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There have been computer criminals almost from the moment that computers were created. But there’s a striking difference these days - some of the schemes are so sophisticated that, even when a home user does everything right, there’s great risk.
One scheme that caught my eye recently is the use of software that tells the crook just where you’re located. Knowing where you are is a real advantage since it makes raiding bank accounts and using personal information for identity theft a lot easier.
I’ll link to the story here but - in brief - a tiny program uses Google maps to pinpoint your location.
As far as I know this particular scam is only taking place in Australia now. But, obviously, it would be easy for it to spread.
The good news is that - as often is true - the scammer relies on an e-mail that requires you to click on a link before the software can be planted in your computer.
And since other schemes make it easy to steal address book information, a good rule is to avoid clicking on any links in any e-mails unless you are gut certain about the sender. It just isn’t worth the risk. Since anti-virus and spyware software isn’t likely to stop a scam like this you need to be suspicious of e-mails that include clickable links.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Crime
Comments
By jabster
February 21, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Try this one: Google your home phone number. You can get Google to remove it, but MSN won’t.
By georgia
February 21, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
You can’t google a cell phone.
By Peri
February 21, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
*Jabster: Yikes!!!! I did it! Fortunately, it only shows my old phone number, but it does show my name and the number. I had no idea.
By AC
February 21, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Georgia,maybe not google but you can get address from cell phone you just have to know where to look.
By Informed_Reader
February 21, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Sorry…wrong information.
Information from your IP address can be used to pull information on where your ISP is located not you.
Link:site that shows IP information
or just google the information yourself on what you can pull up. The article above is very misleading.
By Peaches
February 23, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
I have been getting emails where they have my full address on it, for loans to pay off my house note which I don’t have….Where are they getting my address??????