Scammers have destroyed the Internet

(I-Newswire) June 24, 2010 - Reuters reports that online scams cost individuals and businesses more than $500 million in losses in 2009, doubling 2007's figures. Scams have permeated the Internet from search results that feature malware-loading attack sites to phishing emails to even fake dating correspondence. Online fraud has so jeopardized trust in common Internet communication channels, that it can be credibly said that scammers have destroyed the Internet. “It seems that wherever you go online, you are exposed to scam risks,” says Oliver Thompson of IXDownload. Previously trusted communications like bank email and other “official” notices can no longer be trusted. “To combat this pervasive threat, I am proud to announce that IXDownload.com has launched its online scam resource and information page to help online consumers and general Internet users avoid scams. The resource page lists the the common methods of online scams along with detection methods and scam prevention software tools.

“Instead of listing online scams based on name, we've gone several steps further,” notes Thompson. The resource page analyzes and groups online fraud activities using common features. “We help educate users to think in terms of patterns and modes of operation instead of relying solely on the particular name of a scam,” explains Thompson. IXDownload classifies online scams into three groupings: greed-based scams, dating scams, and phishing/identity theft schemes.

Greed-based scams focus on “something for nothing.” Nigerian “419” emails, “free iPod/iPad” redemption notices, and similar fraud fall under this heading. “Today's online scammer is very sophisticated. They really know how to push the intended victim's psychological buttons. Indeed, one of the fastest growing “genres” of online scams, dating scams, exploit one of the most basic human needs—the need for love. You won't believe the emotional manipulation unscrupulous dating site affiliates will stoop to”, says Thompson. Posing as women, unethical dating site marketers, based on litigation records, use email, classified ads, chatrooms, and even webcams to snare unsuspecting victims. According to Thompson, it's gotten so bad that people looking for dates online must be extra suspicious of online personal ads to make sure they are genuine and not out to upsell them to a dating site subscription. Phishing and identity theft schemes are rampant and constantly evolving. From bank “notification” emails to domain registration emails to account notification to email attachments that load attack sites, phishing attacks have taken on a huge variety of forms that it is easy to get tricked into opening these types of emails or search results.

As part of its consumer awareness program, IXDownload also lists security software that help block scam attempts. These software programs prevent attack sites from loading, load warning pages whenever links in phishing emails are clicked, mark shady or suspect search results with warnings, among other actions. IXDownload has taken great care to filter its software recommendations and only legitimate publishers are listed. “These applications are automated aides to help consumers avoid bad sites. However, they are meant to be used in conjunction with the 'scam-aware' mindset we try to cultivate through our resource page,” says Thompson.

“When it comes to online scams, common sense is not too common since the specific modes change. We are changing all of that by helping consumers develop a 'scam-aware' mindset. By focusing on common methods as opposed to exact scam names or operations, we aim to develop a “sixth sense” which tells consumers to take a series of preventive actions whenever “something just doesn't feel right,”” says Thompson.

About IXDownload.Com:
IXDownload.Com is the Internet's leading software information and resource site focusing on a wide range of security, productivity, and multimedia applications.

Company Contact Information
IXDownload.Com
Oliver Thompson
4th street
98007
Phone : +6328134878