LifeLock Blog

I’m sure most people are aware that you shouldn’t just click any link that is sent to you because there is always the possibility that it’s a virus or some kind of malicious software. People are also getting use to Facebook spam and scams as they become more prevalent, but what about Facebook chat? Would you trust a link sent from a friend on Facebook chat? If your answer was yes you probably shouldn’t because over the weekend Facebook chat had a outbreak of spam messages.

Messages sent over Facebook chat from one of your friends reads, “LOL is this you? and is accompanied by a link. You click the link, intrigued by the question, and disappointingly you end up at a 404 page. Well, what really happened is the website compromised your account and is now sending this message to all your friends who are online. This scam is very similar to the Twitter “LOL this you?” scam back in February.

Scams like these are designed to spread like wildfire and expose your profile and all the information it contains. You should always be suspicious of messages like these and question the person before clicking links you don’t recognize. When in doubt just don’t click the link. You don’t want scammers to have your information on your Facebook profile that could be used to steal your identity one day.

I am sure you have heard of a phishing scam, well what about a smishing scam? A smishing scam is similar to a phishing scam but it take place over SMS on your mobile phone. Many banks now a days will deliver SMS messages to your phone informing you of various things happening with your accounts. Scammers take advantage of this and I’ll show you what the scam looks like and what to lookout for.

The scam starts with a text message about your mobile phone. They are usually pretty vague about the bank name and any specific information. Many times they simply say that your account has been locked and to call a number for assistance. When you call the number the scammers ask you for your bank information and you give it to them because you think someone has gained access to your account. What you have just done is give the scammers your information so they can steal from you.

Scammers will send text messages to random phone so even if you haven’t subscribed to text alerts you could still receive one. This should be your first note of suspicion, if you haven’t subscribed to text alerts the bank shouldn’t be sending you anything. I know with my bank the texts always come from the  same number, so it’s unlikely the scam message would have come from the same number. If you think the message is real call your bank but use a number you know is real and not the one in the message.



The Better Business Bureau is warning job seekers once again to be careful when applying for jobs. With 13 states showing an unemployment rate of 10% or higher it’s clear that unemployment is a problem. Scam artists are taking advantage of the situations and the public needs to be aware.

There are several ways that scammers take advantage of job seekers. Most of the scams involve background checks, upfront fees, and phishing scams.

1. Upfront Fees – There has been an increase of ads for jobs claiming several position openings and all that is required is money for a background check. The money of course does not go toward a background check and they keep your money and use your personal information to steal your identity. Don’t fall for this simple scam. Know a company is legitimate before giving out any information and insist you give it to them in person and never over the phone.

2. Job Placement Companies – Even though most job placement companies are legitimate businesses some of them are not. One needs to be cautious when a company makes promises that they can’t keep. Most firms are free to people looking for jobs they collect a fee from the companies who need people to fill positions. Be careful when companies want to you pay a fee for a guarantee you get a job. A promise they can’t keep and often times will pocket your money and never call you.

3. Phishing attacks – Phishing attacks are common on the Internet. It’s easier to know if a site is fake when you know what the real website and company looks like . This is why websites for fake business are harder to detect. Phishing websites of fake businesses who hire you and want you to send them personal information they use to steal your identity.

Always be suspicious of companies asking for private information before meeting them in person. Even then make sure you do your homework on the business to make sure they are a legitimate company. Be suspicious when companies ask for money upfront for any reason. Don’t give out information for a background check before you are sure the business is legitimate. If you are aware of these things you stand a better chance of preventing a job search related identity theft.

The government has started a new program called CARS, which stands for Car Allowance Rebate System. The program is designed to get gas guzzler cars off the road. Your car must be 25 years old or younger and it must get less than 18 miles a gallon when it was new, and the car must now be in drivable condition. If your car qualifies you can get between $3,500 and $4,500 for your trade in.

Whenever there are government programs there are always scams that will supposedly help you obtain the rebate or credit from the government. This new CARS program is no exception. Police have already identified people running scams telling people they can provide a voucher or will add their name to an application list if they pay a fee and provide certain information. The scam artists will then take your money and use your private information to steal your identity.

The truth is there are no vouchers or application lists. The only people that can apply for the credit are new car dealerships. They are the ones that apply and they are the ones that get the money. The discounts can only be applied to new cars and the dealerships are the only ones that see the money.

So don’t fall for scams with catchy names that offer CARS credit vouchers or applications. Avoid anyone that offers money orders, check or direct deposit of your rebate, because the dealership is the only one that sees the money. If you look for these signs you should be able to identity the ID theft scams and be able to avoid them. Only trust an authorized dealer to handle the application process and be careful to whom you give your information.