How many times have you had a friend or family member tell you that they have been hacked from clicking on a bad link, strange email or Twitter scam? It happens all of the time and I wish I were sitting next to that family member to beg them not to be tempted.
I've been hacked!
Over night I received at least 15 emails from total strangers telling me that I’d won $250,000 or an email urging me to click on their link because I would discover something incredible behind it. My Twitter Direct Mail box is flooded with messages that say, “Did you see this pic of you?” Unless you are worried there is a very suspect video or photo of you floating around the Internet, please ignore these lies.
A friend of mine had no idea that these types of spam were common. I decided to create of list of regular suspicious links to be mindful of. Immediately delete these messages if you ever find them in your inbox.
If you ever find yourself questioning a message from a friend, give them a call and ask if they sent you the message.
Do Not Click on the link when:
1. A friend of yours emails you a random link without a message, 9 times out of 10 their email account has been hacked.
2. You receive an email from “An Investor” promising to send you money. All they need is your address. Delete!
3. A bank sends you an email asking you to change your password.
4. PayPal needs you to renew your login.
5. A Twitter user sends you a direct message with any of the following-
- “Did you see this pic of you?”
- “Did you see this video of you?”
- “Did you see what others are saying about you?”
- “OMG, did you see this crazy tweet about you?”
- “LOL, FUNNY VIDEO OF YOU”
- “Yo, this dude is making upsome nasty rumors about you?”
And so on…
6. A Facebook friend posts a random photo that has nothing to do with them or their friends
7. Facebook sends you an email asking you to change your password.
8. Any email is sent to you regarding a donation.
Never ever give your personal information to a random business unless you are purposely using their site for their goods and services. Make sure you always keep your passwords and your usernames separate to avoid any hackers gaining access to your stuff.
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I have seen these links before in my own email. I was tempted to reply to the PayPal “receipt” for a purchase I did not make but checked with my bank to make sure no unauthorized transactions had occurred and left it alone. These hackers are getting more and more crafty.
They try take advantage any way they can!
Good to know !
Thanks!
Great tips! I’ll have to forward this to my husband who is still somewhat of a novice on such things. At least most email accounts have a spam filter on them but people aren’t expecting this on Facebook or Twitter.
Twitter might as well get rid of the direct message feature as far as I’m concerned. It’s become so used and abused by automated programs and nasty links that most people never bother with trying to read/answer them.
Yes, don’t know anyone who communicates with me via DM.
Hi Becky ,
I’ve been a victim of one of these, though I was greener then !
I’ve forwarded your post to some of my contacts …… I thought forewarned is forearmed.
Thanks.