The Federal Trade Commission has issued an alert to warn consumers that scam artists are trying to trick people into clicking on links that download malware to their computers.
In this latest scam, reported by the FTC in the report, “Fake Funeral Notice Can Be Deadly To Your Computer,” bogus e-mails are finding their way to the mailboxes with the tag, “Funeral Notification.”
The e-mail message looks like a legitimate mailing from a funeral home. Offering condolences, it invites the reader to click on a link to learn more about the upcoming funeral that isn’t.
Instead of sending you to the funeral home’s website, the link downloads malicious software — malware — to your computer. Malware includes viruses and spyware that get installed on your computer without your consent.
Illustration by Richard Hodges, Columbus Ledger Enquirer, 2004
Criminals use malware to steal personal information, send spam, and commit fraud.
Yikes!
In addition to the FTC tips, here’s one street-smart thing to do before you take the fake funeral bait: Check your Facebook and social media postings, first.
Chances are, Uncle Charlie is alive and well and would probably enjoy hearing from you.