Internet Security, Anti-virus info, Phishing and anti-spam.
In all honesty, you really don't want to be getting a virus on your computer...
If you have the latest security patches for your operating system installed and a firewall, installed AND working, provided you take some basic precautions when connecting to the internet, you SHOULD be safe! But, if you are one of those people who cannot resist "having a look" then your curiosity could well be your downfall.
For example, you receive an email from someone you don't know and it has a "paperclip" indicating an attachment, what do you do? Rather than just opening it, right click on the email with your mouse and select Properties, then click on Details, this will show who the email is from, you can also click on Message Source. If the sender is a gibberish address, or not recognised, or doesn't sound correct then DELETE the email.
Simply clicking on a website can enable trojans and other viruses to be downloaded to your computer. If you use Windows XP, make sure you download and install Service Pack 2 and also all the other critical updates.
Just because you get email through your inbox, doesn't mean you have to read it! Much of the mail sent now is junk or spam. If you have a spam filter, then enable it. The links opposite lead to useful software which can minimise problems, but ultimately the responsibility is yours!
Did you know that when you click on the eBay toolbar, or "My eBay", tracking cookies are launched?
These are used by Mediaplex and Doubleclick and could enable these companies to track you. Check out "Spybot Search and Destroy" which is an excellent malware or spyware remover.
Read the information on the Sophos site regarding computer viruses and virus hoaxes and you will be better equipped to deal with the problems should they occur.
For eBay users If you ever receive an email asking for your membership details or username and password or financial details, DO NOT reply to the email! EBay NEVER ask for personal details or financial details or username and password. These emails are SCAMS...BE WARNED.
More scam info and site links HERE
If you are selling goods on eBay, and a buyer offers to pay a lot more for the goods than the amount you are asking, then for you to send the difference back to them, once they have transferred the money to your account, or sent you a cheque. DO NOT fall for this. It's a scam, you will find that the bank transfer is cancelled, or that the cheque was a counterfeit and the bank will reclaim their money and you have lost your goods, and paid extra for the privilege of doing so! Remember, banks will put any cheque through the clearing system, but have 30 days to reclaim the money if the cheque is bogus. Just because the cheque initially clears, doesn't mean it's legitimate! More info on these and other scams can be found here)
More eBay info If you want more information then check out the eBay "Community Q & A Message Board" If you reply to the email then there is every chance that your account will be hijacked.
Phishing Scams The Email Hoax and the Fake Web Page Scam - Scammers are sending masses of spoof or fake email out in an attempt to acquire eBay, Paypal, AOL, Yahoo, Earthlink, MSN, Microsoft, AT&T, Hotmail, FDIC, MBNA, Citibank, Barclays iBank, Nat West, Bank One, Nationwide, Halifax and Fleet Bank users' identities, passwords, credit card numbers and pins and bank account details to commit fraud. Reports of this kind of identity theft (also known as phishing) are prolific, and have regularly featured in tv and news articles. More...
Western Union Scammers When buying goods from online auctions, such as eBay, be VERY wary of high value items such as Plasma Screens and expensive Digital Cameras. Make sure that the seller is genuine. Check that the seller's address is the same as the one advertised on the auction. A great many American sellers have had their Auction IDs hijacked via "spoof emails" and the "seller" could be in an Internet Cafe anywhere in the world. Another warning sign is one allowing "pre-approved" bidders only. When you contact them asking to be approved, they will offer you the goods at a big discount if you send the cash via Western Union. DO NOT fall for these scams...or you will lose your money! Personally speaking, we would never advise buying such a high value item from an online auction, unless you are 100% certain the seller is "bona-fide"