Anti Spam
Avoid WordPress comment spam in two steps!
Friday, February 22nd, 2008For months now, this blog has been freed from comment spam I used to experience before because I found out the most effective ways to avoid WordPress spam.
1. Deactivating Akismet. Previously, I was getting at least 200 spam comments per day. I had to scan them one-by-one because some comments were filtered as spam by Akismet. Out of frustration, I deactivated the plugin with thoughts of completely avoiding these spam messages. True enough, I have not received spam comments since then.
Note: Do not delete Akismet from the plugins directory because you’re blog may experience another spam flood.
2. Install a spam blocking plugin. Currently I am using Matriphe Keycode, one of the best anti spam plugins I’ve ever used.
Things to Remember To Avoid Get-Paid-To (GPT) Program Scams
Friday, February 8th, 2008Get-Paid-To (GPT) sites (e.g. paid surveys, get paid to click, get paid to read e-mails, get paid to surf, get paid to post, get paid to complete offers, get paid to blog, get paid to socialize, etc.) are the most attractive money-making opportunities to internet users, especially to starters. I, too, had several experiences with paid-to programs when I was just learning that the internet promises real money through these programs. Even now, I am a member of some GPT programs.
Paid-to programs are appealing because most of these do not require payment for registration and you can spend any amount of time at your convenience. With numerous paid-to sites coming out, you can hardly distinguish which are worth trying (and is really paying) and which are plain scams.
Most of these programs require you to pay a certain amount to be a premium members. Being a premium member entitles you to earn more with your account. Who wouldn’t want to earn more, right? So you pay for the premium package. During the first days, you were elated because you see your earnings getting bigger and bigger. Then suddenly, you wake up one day losing everything. You were scammed! There is an increasing number of users who succumb to this kind of easy money but wake up one day getting scammed because they forgot the most important step before joining and putting money in these programs - they failed to investigate
1. Before joining a program, throughly evaluate the GPT opportunity and the site as a whole. Read the About, Help/FAQs, TOS, and Privacy Policy of the sites. These pages may contain and answer every information you needed about the site.
2. Is the GPT site a scam? Do a search. Type the GPT opportunity (website url or name) plus the word “scam”.
3. Visit scam listings and see if the site is listed as scam.
4. Read reviews and recommendations from members. Most importantly, read the complaints. GPTBoycott.com is a good source to read complaints from members about GPT opportunities/sites.
5. Assess how much money you will earn and if it’s worth your time. Spending your time clicking ads and completing offers for a small compensation is also a form of scam. You may not be spending a dime for clicking ads or completing offers and tasks but you should also consider how much do you pay for your internet connection. It sounds simply ridiculous to spend three hours (worth almost a $1.00 if you are using the service of an internet cafe in the Philippines) yet earning few cents for completed offer.
There are other ways to make money online - through blogging (through ads), promoting and selling products, being an affiliate, etc. which are legitimate ones. However, many users do not opt to choose them because they can be a hard task. But nothing is more rewarding than seeing your efforts getting well compensated.
Okay, this post is partially a teaching to myself as I’ve been disappointed over a PTC website I recently joined to.
Tags:Anti Spam, Blogging, Get Paid To Scams, Internet, Internet Scams, Online Tips, Paid Emails, Paid Surveys, Paid to Click, Paid to Complete Offers, PayPal, Prevent Scam, Tips
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No Old Spam Links Plugin: Easily add NoFollow on Paid/Text Links
Wednesday, February 6th, 2008The Google punishment in the form of Google PR drops, due to paid links created a buzz in the blogosphere. Many had been affected, and that includes me. And I want to get my PR back. Probloggers advised to add a rel=nofollow on all paid links but it maybe too cumbersome, especially if you have posted quite a number of paid reviews.
I found a WordPress plugin that will help me to easily put nofollow in all the paid links in this blog without manually adding rel=nofollow to the links. No Old Spam Links plugin will automatically do it for me.
What does the plugin do?
- It add “nofollow” to all links on any domain on a blacklist. The “nofollow” is applied in posts and comments.
- Specify one white list “all links dofollow” category which overrides the blacklist.
- Specify an “all no follow” category that adds no follow to all links after a specified number of days. It will be easier for you to add no=follow to all paid links especially if it’s under one category.
Download the plugin here.
Tags:Anti Spam, Blog, Blogging, Google, Google Adsense, Internet, Tips, WordPress, Wordpress Plugins
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Zango Support: Zango is not a threat
Sunday, February 3rd, 2008I just noticed that an allegedly Zango Support personnel posted a comment on one of my published posts in BlogEngage where I was talking about how the Zango software posed as a threat. Just to give them the benefit of the doubt, I would like to post his comment:
Zango Support says:
In the above post Zango is listed as a threat.
We would like to correct this listing.
Zango is a safe and secure program which will not harm users’ computer.
We are certainly aware of the ever-growing number of harmful applications that have surfaced on the Web.
Please be assured that Zango, unlike such applications, will always make the user’s privacy our top priority. Zango is a safe and secure program which installs itself only upon user’s download and does nothing without the user’s consent.
Following are some clarifications on the function of Zango’s software:1. Zango does not build personal profiles.
2. Zango does not gather any data you enter in online forms.
3. Zango does not access any sensitive information entered while surfing, such as account details, passwords, credit card information, products you purchase online, etc.
4. Zango’s installation does not install any third party applications. In addition, Zango can be installed only through a standard download process initiated by the user from Zango’s websites and is easy to uninstall.
Unfortunately, it appears that some scanning applications have mistakenly included Zango on their lists. We are aware of this situation and our legal team is contacting these companies in order to be removed from their lists.
Zango is a user friendly program, and it is of paramount importance to us that our program will function properly and will be easily installed and removed
You can remove Zango from your computer via “Add\Remove programs” (Start -> Control Panel -> Add\Remove programs), you may use our uninstaller and you may also use the uninstall instructions we offer under the Zango component in the program’s list
To remove Zango from your computer, please do the following:
1. Close all open applications/programs/windows
2. Go to: ‘Start’ - ‘Settings’ - ‘Control Panel’ - ‘Add\Remove Programs’
3. Click on ‘Zango Browser and Wowpapers Tools’
4. Click ‘Change/Remove’ button
5. Check the components you wish to remove, click ‘Next’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Restart your computer
Alternatively, you can use our uninstaller:
1. Click on the following link - http://installs.zango.com/downloads/Uninstaller/Uninstaller.exe
2. Click ‘Run’ and follow on-screen instructions
3. Restart your computer.
Zango support team can be easily contacted through our help site:
http://catalog.zango.com/destination/corporate/supportform.aspx
or directly at: zangocustomersupport@zango.com
Just few reminders before installing this software:
1. Zango software clearly states in their applications that “In exchange for free access to Zango Games (or any of their programs for that matter), users are shown 2-3 targeted Websites while browsing online.”
2. Symantec and McAfee, two of the reputable internet and computer security software companies, listed Zango as malicious software.
3. StopBadware.org lists a number of undesirable behaviors associated with Zango Easy Messenger, including “behaves as spyware”, “automatically runs on startup”, “displays pop-up advertisements”, “installs adware”, and “bundled software cannot be closed”. Wikipedia
4. Zango, formerly 180solutions and Hotbar, is listed at Wikipedia’s “Well-known adware programs”
5. A great discussion about “180solutions’s Misleading Installation Methods” was posted after several issues were raised about Zango.
Tags:Anti Spam, Computer, e mail viruses, Internet, Online Tips, Spam, Spam Filter, Technology, Tips
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Beware of Zango Software
Sunday, January 27th, 2008I’ve encountered quite a number website having Zango software ad dialog box, especially on download sites and online video sites. I used to be a regular user of PeekVid to view some TV series and movie I missed. But recently, I visited the site and a dialog box asks me to download a software first before I could view the video. With that alone, I already suspected that it maybe a malicious software. I searched for it and found out that it was indeed an adware downloader.
The Zango software ads state that to be able to view videos, play games, listen online, you have to download their “software”, so an unsuspecting internet user downloads it, unknowingly installing spyware and adware in his/her computer.
Zango, formerly known as 180solutions and Hotbar, manufactures known adware and spyware typically required to access partner’s games, DRM-protected videos and software. Some online and home PC security giants such as McAfee, states that this program may have legitimate uses however, it a potentially unwanted program and an adware downloader.
StopBadware.org listed undesirable software behaviors of the Zango Easy Messenger such as excessive pop ups, automatically runs on startup, displays pop-up advertisements, installs adware, and bundled software cannot be closed. Wikipedia
First time internet users, frequent users of download sites, and even the experienced unsuspecting internet user are particularly vulnerable for this malicious software.
To be able to avoid installing these malicious sotwares, here are some recommendations and tips:
- Never download a “software” from any websites, especially if you are unfamiliar with it.
- Consider searching for a software information prior to installing it. Know the risks that comes with its installation. The internet always has a lot of information to offer you.
- Watch what you download. Freewares usually contain bundled adware or spyware.
- Try asking. There are websites especially designed for your inquiries like Yahoo! Answers, Answers.com or other internet security forums.
- Install a trusted anti-spyware or anti-adware software, from trusted download sites like Download.com. Make sure to read reviews and recommendation about these security softwares.
Tags:Adware, Anti Spam, Computer, firefox, Internet, Spyware, Technology
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Lesson to Learn: Never open an anonymous e-mail
Thursday, January 24th, 2008Especially if contains an attachment. Most likely, it contains a virus.
Just few minutes ago, I received e-mails from an unknown wlifer007 containing attachments. Out of curiosity (and of stupidity because I was already suspecting it contained viruses), I opened the e-mails, tried to download the attachments. Good thing Yahoo! Mail has built-in Norton Anti-virus, which has effectively detected the e-mail worm, named W32.Blackmal.E@mm!enc.
I tried to look for the worm definitions and here are what I found out:
W32.Blackmal.E@mm is a mass-mailing worm that attempts to spread through network shares and lower security settings. On the third day of every month it attempts to rewrite files with certain extensions with custom text.
The e-mails I have received contained this files: eBook.Uu, Video_part.mim, and Attachments00.HQX.
Here’s what I should have done:
1. I should have not opened the e-mail in the first place, because the sender was stranger to me.
2. I should have not tried to download the attachment, even if Yahoo! Mail has a built-in antivirus scanner because not all viruses can be detected.
3. I was already suspicious, so I should have followed my instincts.
4. I already had this lesson before and even posted tips about it, I should have followed it.
Tags:Anti Spam, Computer, E mail Frauds, e mail viruses, Internet, Online Tips, Spam, Spam Filter, Tips
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How to Spot a Fake Paypal E-mail?
Friday, January 18th, 2008Recently, Tim of BeThumbed PayPal account was hacked because of filling up a fake form which was purportedly sent by a Paypal staff. I’ve also received a similar e-mail, but I just ignored it. Good thing I was busy blogging at that time that I totally forgot about the e-mail. I also logged in directly to their website to read if similar announcement appeared in their “What’s New” section.
Paypal had been particular in securing their merchants’ accounts. They provided tips on how to protect your account.
Fake Paypal vs Real Paypal e-mails:
- A fake Paypal e-mail usually contains greetings like “Dear PayPal user” or “Dear PayPal Member”. A real Paypal e-mail addresses the member by his/her first and last name or the business name associated with your PayPal account.
- A fake Paypal e-mail usually does not contain your e-mail address as recipient, especially if it was sent by an autobot mailers like what most hackers use.
- I have also observed that real Paypal e-mails contain a copyright footer containing the PayPal e-mail ID at the bottom.
Copyright © 1999-2007 PayPal. All rights reserved.
Consumer advisory- PayPal Pte. Ltd., the holder of PayPal’s stored value
facility, does not require the approval of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Users are advised to read the terms and conditions carefully.PayPal Email ID
Dave Taylor provided 10 helpful tips on how you can recognize fake Paypal e-mails.
Tags:Anti Spam, Blogging, Chain E mails, chain letters, Computer, E mail Frauds, e mail viruses, How To, Internet, Internet Scams, Online Tips, PayPal, Prevent Spam, Spam, Spam Filter, Tips
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The Hino Motors Ltd. Japan Job Scam
Saturday, January 12th, 2008I received one scam e-mail again, but it is different from the previous scam e-mails as it intends of employing you instead of giving you a lottery money.
To:
From: recruits@hinomotors.co.jp
Subject: WORK WITH HINO MOTORS JAPAN
Date: Sat, 12 Jan 2008 20:11:52 +0300
HINO MOTORS CO.LTD, JAPAN.
1-1 Hinodai 3-chome,
Hino-shi,
Tokyo 191-8660.
WE NEED A REPUTABLE INDIVIDUAL/COMPANY
We wish to intimate you with a request that would be of immense Benefit to you and us. Our Group’s principal activities are to develop, manufacture and market diesel trucks and buses,
passenger cars and pick-up trucks, semi-tractors, special purpose vehicles such as large-sized sight seeing and route buses, internal combustion engines and spare parts.
We wish to crave your indulgence that we are searching for representatives who can help us establish a medium of getting to our customers in North America, Europe and other nearby countries as well as making payments through you to us.
We are currently working on expansion into North America, to this effect we are openning a manufacturing facility which will be strategically located in that region. We seek your service(s) in this regard. You do not have to leave your present job.
If interested in this partnership send your respond to e-mail proposal with the details listed below;
FIRST NAME:
LAST NAME:
RESIDENTIAL/POSTAL ADDRESS:
SEX:
FAMILY STATUS:
AGE:
TELEPHONE:
FAX:
CELL PHONE:
COMPANY NAME:
OCCUPATION:
STATE:
COUNTRY:
DRIVERS LICENSE:
EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT:
BANK NAME:
CREDIT RATING:
STATUS OF BANKING RELATIONSHIP:
STATUS OF BANK TRANSACTION:
ANY CRIMINAL RECORDS? INDICATE:
We appreciate your interest in our company and we look forward working with you as a team.
Thank you,
Mr. Shoji Kondo
The President, Hino Motors.
Why is it a scam?
- My e-mail address as a recipient was not found in the e-mail.
- The sender’s return address (recruits@hinomotors.co.jp) seems authentic but if you do a search in Google, Hino Motors Ltd. Japan’s website is http://www.hino.co.jp/e/ and not hinomotors.co.jp.
- I did not sign up for any subscription at Hino Motors showing my interest to be their partner.
- Similar with other scam e-mails, the sender asks me to provide my personal and banking information.
Tags:Anti Spam, Chain E mails, chain letters, Computer, E mail Frauds, e mail viruses, Internet, Internet Scams, Tips
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Beware: Fake ‘Bangko Sentral’ scam e-mail
Friday, December 14th, 2007A new scam e-mail purportedly coming from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raises alarm.
The e-mail is designed like the previous Nigerian, Western Union scam e-mails in which personal information and bank accounts are gathered that can be used for fraudulent acts and crimes.
“Please beware as this comes from a syndicate using the name of our central bank and our governor to gain information that could be used possibly for fraudulent activities. We request you therefore to disregard this spurious message and to warn your family and friends against this scam,” the BSP said in a statement.
“For the record, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is not in the business of safekeeping money or gold or other valuables for private individuals,” it added.
The BSP through the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has solicited the help of several international agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States to track down, stop and possibly prosecute its perpetrators.
The BSP said recipients of the fake e-mail should report it to the bank at tel no. 523-4832, fax no. 523-6210 or to the AMLC at 523-4421 or 536-7358. ABS-CBNNews.com
The FBI advisory said the scam e-mail informs the recipient that he has received a large amount of money, free of any liens or encumbrances. It asks the recipient to send his full name, address, contact information, occupation, age and sex to mr_tetangco@gmail.com, which is allegedly the BSP governor’s personal e-mail address.
If you receive similar e-mails, the best way to avoid getting scammed is rejecting it, especially if the sender was unfamiliar to you. Just by looking at the e-mail also, you will already know if it’s scam or not.
Tags:Anti Spam, Internet, Online Tips, Spam, Tips
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A Western Union Money Transfer Scam?
Friday, November 2nd, 2007How to recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mails?
Sender: “Mark James”
Subject: WESTERN UNION PAYMENT UPDATE
Message:
Dear Sir/Madam, There is an issue with the WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER in the amount of $500,000.00 USD directed in cash credited to file KTU/9023118308/03, at the owner of this email address. The International Monetary Fund contacted us for your compensation a couple of hours ago due to your allocated security code. They said that they choose to send it to an email address instead of a name. We are unable to complete a transfer directed at an email address,so we require some more information in order to complete this transfer. FULL NAME: FULL CONTACT ADDRESS: MOBILE PHONE NUMBER: OCCUPATION: MARITAL STATUS AND AGE: In order to resolve this problem,please email us immediately. As soon as this information is received,and you have complied with the requirements of payment of the western union charges, payment will be made to your nominated bank account or at the counter directly from The Western Union Transfering Bank. When emailing,please use reference number 250-147 for our mutual convenience. THE MANAGEMENT OF WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER,OFFICE NIGERIA BRANCH. Sincerely, Mr Mark James. Western Union Payments Direct Email : markjamesx@ubbi.com
Here’s another scam email targeting unsuspecting internet users. I received this e-mail yesterday. I’ve been receiving similar e-mails before but I didn’t pay any attention to them. At first glance, I already knew that it was one of those phishing scams aiming to get valuable information from victims.
Why Western Union?
- Because Western Union Money Transfer has been used widely to transfer funds and payments due to its convenience and secured transactions. Even Google, the search and advertising giant are now opting payments through Western Union. Scammers took it as an advantage to attract victims.
Why is it a scam?
- The format of the addressee as Dear Sir/Madam. Phishing e-mail messages are usually sent out in bulk and often do not contain your first or last name. The phrase “at the owner of this email address” also depicts similar pattern.
- The phrase “please email us immediately.” conveys urgency so that you’ll respond immediately without thinking.
- An amount of $500,000.00 USD is no joke, thus information for claim should not be sent through ordinary e-mails instead, it should have been sent via registered e-mail.
- “They said that they choose to send it to an email address instead of a name.” Why should it be the case?
- A respected organization such as the International Monetary Fund or IMF should opt to channel any important information, instead it should have directly contacted the intended recipient.
- The sender’s e-mail address is hosted by a dating site.
- The general format of the letter. A formal business letter should be written in full block.
Scam Help and Resources:
Vancity.com provides some tips on how to spot phishing scams and fraudulent e-mails.
Microsoft has tips to recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mails.
Scam Resources. Use these “preventive” resources to protect yourself from being taken in by the latest scams (if it’s too late, these same resources will help you get justice). If you want to know if a company is a scam then check these resources.
Tags:Anti Spam, Chain E mails, chain letters, E mail Frauds, Internet, Internet Scams, Online Tips, Spam, Spam Filter, Tips
Read 69 times by 26 visitors
Yahoo! Mail to offer unlimited storage capacity
Saturday, March 31st, 2007As celebration for their 10-year anniversary, Yahoo! Mail will offer unlimited mail storage capacity starting on May 2007 as announced on Tuesday.
The free version of Yahoo! Mail (basic), which is used by majority of users, offers only 1GB of storage and limited features such as the limited 10MB attachments. You need to upgrade [...]
Campaign ads on your cellphone
Monday, March 12th, 2007Cell phones and SMS are now widely used for many purposes. Opportunists find a weapon through cellpones to spread scamming activities, promotional campaigns, and sending many unwanted text messages to defenseless subscribers. On the good side, cell phones and SMS have helped resolved a number of crimes.
With the coming of the May 2007 national [...]
How to make your Yahoo! Mail inbox spam-free?
Thursday, February 15th, 2007I am using Yahoo! Mail as my primary e-mail address provider because of its user-friendly interface. But ever since, I’ve already have a problem with its inefficient spam filter. I’ve blocked quite a number of spam e-mail addresses, but spam messages from these addresses still make their way to my inbox. I have tried numerous [...]