Cyber nightmare before Xmas

As shoppers gear up for the holiday season, so do cybercrooks. McAfee recently issued a list of the "12 Scams of Christmas." Among them:

• Charity phishing scams: Hackers take advantage of citizens’ generosity by sending e-mails that appear to be from legitimate charitable organizations. In reality, they are fake Web sites designed to steal donations and credit card info.
• Fake invoces from delivery services: Crooks e-mail consumers asking for credit card details to credit back the account, or require users to open an online invoice or customs form to receive a package. Once completed, the person’s information is stolen or malware is automatically installed on their computer.
• Social networking scams: Internet users should beware that clicking on links in e-mailed "friend" requests from scammers can automatically install malware on computers and steal personal information.
• Dangerous holiday e-cards: Bah computer bug! We've warned you about mean-spirited greetings. Holiday-themed PowerPoint e-mail attachments are also popular among cybercriminals.
• "Luxury" goods at a discount: McAfee Labs recently uncovered a new holiday campaign that leads shoppers to malware-ridden sites offering “discounted” luxury gifts from Cartier, Gucci, and Tag Heuer. Cybercriminals even use fraudulent logos of the Better Business Bureau to trick shoppers into buying products they never receive.
• Identity theft: Remember to always shop on secure sites and avoid public WiFi connections.
• Risky Internet searches: Bad guys create fraudulent holiday-related Web sites for people searching for a holiday ringtone or wallpaper, Christmas carol lyrics or a festive screensaver. Downloading holiday-themed files may infect one’s computer with spyware, adware or other malware.

Our Internet Safety Web pages are packed with tips on how to protect yourself online.