New Online Scam Targeting Travelers

Posted by Gab Suarez at 5:14 PM

It's been a while since I've last blogged about scams and scam warnings. However, since it's going to be 12-12-12, I feel like it's just right to write something that will warn people about one of the new online scams. If you're reading this lucky article and you travel a lot, this may be very useful.

You deserve to have a scam-free vacation just like her! :)

This scam alert is also helpful for me because I'm a traveler and I bring my laptop anywhere I go. According to this blog, one of the new scams that's been lurking online is a malware installed on a traveler's laptop through a software update on hotel internet connections. Recent analysis from the FBI demonstrates that malicious actors are targeting travelers abroad through pop up windows while establishing an internet connection in their hotel rooms.

FBI recommends that everyone who travels abroad should be very careful before updating software products through the hotel internet connection. You should check the author or digital certificate of any prompted update to see if it corresponds to the software vendor. It is also better if you do software updates before traveling if certain updates are necessary while abroad.

It's just sad that even those who are just going to have a vacation out of the country might be a victim of a scam and they don't even know it. Either your laptop is for personal or business use, you just have to take extra caution. Doing those advices above might be just the step needed for you to have a hassle-free vacation.

Work at Home Online Scam

Posted by Gab Suarez at 5:24 PM

There are a lot of different kinds of scams online. One of the most common is the Work at Home scam. It promises you a boss-free job and you're working from the comforts of your home. Who wouldn't find it tempting? For me, if it is Too Good To Be True I would definitely be doubtful. I think it is just okay to doubt and ask what's the catch? It shouldn't be that good without you giving something great in return.

Although, there are a lot legit job sites that offer legit home based jobs, Scammers still find their way through the job site's security. What you need to do is educated yourself before deciding to apply to a certain job post or even before signing up on a job site.

If they are asking you for money when signing up, it is a clear warning signal that it can only be an online scam. Most legit job sites I know and tried don't ask for any of your money. Also, one important thing you need to know that I have found from an article I've read although I revised it a little, is that legitimate home-based job promoters should let you know what's involved in the program they're selling.

What you should know before you commit:

• your tasks
• your salary (especially if it's fixed price or commission-based)
• who's going to pay you
• when will you get your first pay check
• how much will you have to invest for the job (this is not just about the supplies or the equipment you're going to use but also your skill and effort)

What you should do before you commit:

• verify the information you get with the employer's current workers.
• type the company's or the promoter's name into a search engine with a word like review, complaint, or scam.
• check out the company or the promoter with your local consumer protection agency to see if other people reported on their experiences.

With these tips in mind, I hope you'll be able to distinguish a scam from a legitimate job opportunity. I also believe in using your gut-feel, if it doesn't feel right, don't do it. If you're now ready to look for a home-based job, I would recommend you oDesk if you're looking for something part-time and Staff.com if you're looking for a full time job.

My Mission

Posted by Gab Suarez at 2:21 PM

One morning while watching TV, I noticed most of the news were about victims of online scams. Seeing that person realizing now how naive she is for believing such a scheme, I can't help but wonder what it would be like if I was the one in that situation. If one of my loved ones lost his hard earned money just because he had taken a leap of faith and decided to trust the wrong person.

Scammers have that certain charm and talent to make you do things you don't usually do. They'll make you feel like you've known him for a long time and that there wouldn't be any reason for you to doubt him. They'll paint you a picture of a great life that will make you take the risk and invest.

It got me inspired to try to help those innocent people whose dream is just to have a better life for him and his family. Making deals are okay as long as they are with the right person. However, most people can be taken away by sweet talks that they don't take precautionary measures.

I've decided to make this blog to help spread awareness to our families and friends. To prevent you from engaging in online scams. This is to let the people we love know whom to avoid especially when dealing business online. This is the perfect blog to help you stay away from scammers who have been plotting a fraudulent scheme just to make a quick profit. I just hope my blog could make a little bit of difference. ;)