The Pima County Scam Squad is warning resident about a new term, “CLICKJACK” and how to prevent this cyber crime. The Scam Squad wants to make the public aware of the newest attempt to take over smart phones or personal computers.
During the 2012 holidays, the Scam Squad received many complaints regarding an e-mail about a UPS or Fed Ex package that was undeliverable. These pseudo packages could be tracked by clicking on an included link or opening an attachment. Many people affected by these emails were aware that when an attempt has been unsuccessful to deliver an actual package, the company leaves a notice on the door.
Neither Fed Ex nor UPS have access to e-mails, especially regarding an unexpected package that you have no knowledge of ordering.
So what is behind these emails? If you click on the link, or open the attachment, CLICKJACK! Similar to a carjacking, someone else has control of something that belongs to you. This is not your car being stolen, this Clickjack will open your personal computer to the scammer, who now becomes the hijacker of all your information stored in your computer. The “Clickjacker” will then mine your computer for names of friends, and may turn your computer into a spamming robot; may dig for personal, medical or financial information to use for fraudulent actions, and may change your passwords so that you cannot access any accounts.
To avoid Clickjack, simply remember–delete suspicious emails. Any e-mail from an unfamiliar source, no matter how enticing or interesting, may carry with it malware—a virus for your computer. It is wise to delete all unfamiliar emails. Remember, Smart Phones can also be Clickjacked. An unfamiliar APP that appears, or a link or attachment that has a “LIKE” button may be a portal for a virus to enter your device. Remember that Smartphones are also computers, susceptible to all the scams you will find on your computer.
“SMISHING” —-another term that pertains to short term message service, (aka TEXT messages) and “phishing” (following a site that looks real, but is a fake) operates the same way. SMISHING may also inadvertently open up access to your accounts on your Smart phone.
The Scam Squad advises the computer savvy to open your mobile web browser on your smart phone, and type in the address of the APP or link, on your own, rather than allowing the Clickjacker access to your computer information by click(ing) or like(ing). When you have a smart phone, or computer, you must be aware of the cyber crimes of Clickjack and Smishing. The unknown, unfamiliar site gets deleted!
The Pima County Sheriff’s Scam Squad is available to share information with community groups, and have released a series of videos.