The vast majority of viruses running rampant on home user’s computers are targeted at your credit card.

[ Based on the latest commercial of people going into a phony bank, and giving out all their personal information, including underwear size !]

Article: The vast majority of viruses running rampant on home user’s computers are targeted at your credit card.

Here is how it works:
The virus is loaded onto your computer [see note (2) on how] and starts a virus scan. This is a “fake alert”. It says you have a number of viruses and says you can download the full anti-virus program for $49.95 [ the name of the program, the number of viruses, and the amounts vary]

Scared, the typical computer owner buys the program online, using his credit card. The purchased software runs, and reports 10 times the number of viruses. Angry, the customer calls the company. They answer “But it worked for everyone else, and yes, we will gladly refund your money.”

For the price of a phone rep ($7 an hour) and the credit card transaction fee (5%), they now have your credit card and four digit code. The going rate for credit cards is $1,000. Very good business, especially since few companies get caught – they move quickly every day.

How to protect yourself:
1) If you get the virus, don’t buy the software. Either hire a local computer virus removal expert, take your computer to a box store, or use another computer to find legitimate anti-virus software for that particular (named) virus
2) Never click on attachments or links in emails. Wait a few days to click on links sent from a known friend (they will tell you in a few days if they sent you a virus by mistake). Always update your operating system (windows update) and keep your anti-virus program definitions up-to-date.
3) Never use a computer to do banking if you think it is infected with viruses.
4) Back up your data to a cd or external hard drive. Even if it has a virus, at least you haven’t lost everything.
5) Passwords: Use a combination of letters and numbers – and never use anything that can be guessed (like: maiden name and birthday)

Be careful out there!