Online Scammers Jump On bin Laden News
by Barbara Ortutay
NEW YORK (AP) - Online thieves and spammers are using the killing of Osama bin Laden to send out malicious software and spam to unwitting Internet users.
In what's become common practice among the Internet's less savory citizens, these scammers are sending out emails and spreading Facebook posts that purport to be videos or photos of the dead bin Laden.
They are not. But by clicking the links, users can download computer viruses that steal personal information or otherwise infect their computers.
Computer security firm Symantec says one spam email contains a link to bogus photos and videos purporting to be from CNN Mexico. Instead, it directs people to a scam site designed to look like the real thing but created to steal passwords. Some Facebook users also fell victim to fake bin Laden links that then spread the links to their friends' pages on the site.
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
Latest Stories
- TOWNSHIPS OF ILLINOIS ORGANIZATION PRESENTS RICH TOWNSHIP WITH COVETED “2026 TOWNSHIP OF THE YEAR AWARD”
- The Church of God in Christ Appoints Pastor Michael Eaddy To Bishop
- CALUMET PARK GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 132 WELCOMES NEW SUPERINTENDENT, DR. BEATRIZ MALDONADO, WHO IS USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
- CICS Avalon Named the #1 Charter Middle School in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report
- Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas highlights expanded exemptions and benefits available to veterans and their surviving spouses
Latest Podcast
THE BEARS ARE STAYING...
