get_iplayer Digest, Vol 42, Issue 6

[Dennis Smith]

The owner of the email address being used is probably unaware their
account is being used like this, they may be an idiot for not
protecting their PC or accounts adequately, and that is a matter of
debate but they are not the one sending the emails. Ill protected
passwords or or accounts are easy pickings for a spammer and it only
takes you to click a carefully crafted link and your passwords are
anyones. This person has been on this list for at least 2 years.

Simple rules to prevent being a victim.
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1. Choose a good password and username
2. Change passwords often. Monthly is great, every 2 months is acceptable.
3. Use second or 2 factor security (It's worth having a mobile phone
or a second email account just for this)/ Don't use your real DOB or
other easily guess personal information, have a secret alternative for
form completion.
4. Use a good e-mail provider, Google is a good provider,
Yahoo/Hotmail/Outlook/AOL are NOT good providers.
5. Don't click links you don't know, were not expecting and check the
destination carefully - even better manually type the URL into your
browser and don't click the link.
6. Nigerian princes/bank managers/businessmen are not out there giving
away their inheritance/stolen millions/ill gotten gains to unknown
strangers for a small fee to evade taxes
7. You have not won a lottery you didn't even enter and even if you
did, how would they know your e-mail address? They didn't.
8. Your friend isn't being held ransom for an unpaid bill at a hotel
while on holiday.
9. It's too good to be true, because it isn't true.
10. Be sceptical of any offer and unsolicited e-mail. If in doubt, DELETE IT!
11. Don't install browser add-ons, extensions and plug-in's from
unknown sources, and DON'T install toolbars from anywhere!
12. Avoid dodgy websites and stay where you know you are safe. There
are reasons pickpockets and scam artists like the back alleyways but
avoid the main streets.

-- 

Dennis Smith
M1DLG