Scams target anti-Timeline Facebook users

What do you think about the new Facebook Timeline? Many of us are big fans, but a significant number of change-fearing consumers simply want the service back the way it was.

 

Of course, where there's unrest, there are scammers looking to take advantage of the situation. It should be no surprise that not long after Facebook rolled out its brand new function, an assortment of fraudulent pages started to pop up promising the ability to revert to the old profile.

Stop me if you've heard this one

It's a similar scenario to the dislike button hoax that sweeps the network every few months. The hoax pages, just like many others on social networking sites, require users to click Like buttons, download files, watch videos, answer questions and — inevitably — invite friends.

At the very least, pages like this are annoying, providing spammy wall posts and constant messages to friends or showing endless pages of advertising. At the other end of the spectrum, they can be quite nasty, forcing users to install malware or other unpleasant software compromising their computer security. As much as you may dislike the new Timeline, surely it's not worth virtually handing over your credit card details!

 

How the scam works 

Many of the pages offer the same promise: a plug-in for your browser that will "disable" the new Timeline functionality. The developers even add helpful hints advising users to ignore software warnings that extensions, plug-ins, and other apps "can harm your computer." The developers also suggest that you should "allow up to 24 hours for the changes to take effect," which is a cute way of covering up the fact that absolutely nothing will happen.

Here to stay

The problem: Once you opt in to the new Timeline, it's permanently switched over. Within a few weeks, everybody on Facebook will be forced into the new layout (like it or not).

As a company, Facebook has tried to educate its millions of users, pointing out options, updating security information, and answering privacy concerns. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that's been enough, with more than 70,000 people joining anti-Timeline pages across the board.

What can you do?

Given the sheer number of pages and groups created every hour, Facebook does not have the time or manpower to hunt down every fraudulent entry. Instead, the company relies on you to point out things that aren't quite what they seem. On each page or group, there is an option to "report this page" shown in the left-hand menu, under Likes. By taking the time to report pages that are offensive, fraudulent, or otherwise breaching the terms and conditions of the site, you can help make Facebook a better, safer place.

Another great idea is to take a look at the Facebook Security page and click the Like button. While the page hasn't been updated to include information on this latest scam, it's still a great spot to find out what's happening on the site. Live chats with staff, security hints and tips, and information about new features — it's a great resource.

Keep your wits about you

As we've seen over the past few years, the only thing constant about Facebook (and most other social networks) is change. Everything is constantly being tweaked, updated, and overhauled — and with a customer base in the millions, the developers simply can't please all the people all the time. Sometimes, the site will make a change that you don't like, and you won't be alone in your opinion. Rather than resorting to shady pages, online petitions, and apps that don't quite look right, do a little homework and avoid spreading the hysteria.

At present, Facebook has no plans to allow users to opt out of the Timeline functionality and is actively squashing any attempts as well as plug-ins and workarounds that are designed to hide the new page layout. Solutions that worked last week no longer work today, and the trend is continuing as Facebook evolves. Sorry, but it looks like we're stuck with Facebook's Timeline for now.

Warning From Google – “Your Computer Appears To Be Infected”

Since late July 2011, Google has been issuing warnings to search users whose Windows PCs might be infected with a particular strain of malicious software, also known as malware. The move came after Google noticed some unusual activity on its network while conducting routine data center maintenance. While Google is NOT able to scan users' hard drives, it does see irregular information that is sent to it when a user with an infected computer performs a search.

As a result, certain users might see a warning atop their search results like the one displayed here.

Google says it has already been able to warn hundreds of thousands of computer users that their devices may be infected with the malware, which can result in deleted data, stolen personal information, and a slower connection to websites. The warning includes a "Learn how to fix this" link to a Google page to help users resolve the problem by taking appropriate steps. This link is safe to click on and includes information on:

• Installing or updating antivirus software
• Performing a system scan

As a reminder, it's important to carefully research antivirus software before downloading to make sure it's legitimate and not actually a malicious program. For example, Google warns NOT to install "My Security Shield," "Security Master AV," and "CleanUp Antivirus." You can also check with your Internet Service Provider for recommendations on antivirus software.

What is SOPA and why does it matter?

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The tech industry is abuzz about SOPA and PIPA, a pair of anti-piracy bills. Here's why they're controversial, and how they would change the digital landscape if they became law.

Click here to read more:
http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/17/technology/sopa_explained/index.htm?iid=SF_T_River

Smart Washing Machines

Click the link to see the latest washing machines. This is cool.


http://www.usatoday.com/video/tech/1381504227001

Buyer And Seller Beware – Tips To Avoid Scams On Craigslist

Craigslist, an online collection of location-based classified ads, can be great for finding sofas, apartments, and even jobs. But as with all online activities, there is the potential for misuse. Scammers can be found virtually everywhere, including Craigslist, and they're out to get your money in any way they can.

Some popular tactics include listing items that don't actually exist and getting you to pay for them; getting you to pay for your purchase through a phony escrow account; getting you to pay for items through Western Union or another service that doesn't trace the receiver; getting you to reveal bank account or other financial information; and offering to pay more for an item that you've listed, then getting you to send a refund that reveals your banking information.

Craigslist offers several tips for avoiding these scams, but the #1 piece of advice that will prevent 99 percent of all scams is to deal only with local folks, and meet them in person. Here are a few more rules:

• Never send funds via a wire service such as Western Union or Moneygram.
• Beware of fake cashier's checks and money orders.
• Don't believe any guarantees "from Craigslist," since Craigslist is not actually involved in any transaction.
• Never purchase an item or rent a living space you haven't seen.
• Refuse to submit to credit or background checks until you know the potential employer or landlord is legitimate.

Source: www.craigslist.org/about/scams

For added protection, trust your instincts. Be wary of ads that look as though they were written by someone who does not use English as their primary language (check for spelling errors and awkward usage). Also make sure you are really on Craigslist; it's easy to make a typo and end up on a site that looks like Craigslist but is really a scammer site.