Fake tax notification email

FAKE TAX EMAIL!

I have been getting fake tax email notifications and its a ploy to obtain sensative information from your computer.

The email looks like this.

Fake Tax Email

Your Federal Tax Payment

Fake tax notification email.

This email, which purports to be from US tax payment service Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), claims that the recipient’s tax payment has been rejected due to a submission error. The message asks the recipient to click a link in order to review details about the error. The message includes a sender address and link that are seemingly valid EFTPS addresses.

However, the email is not from the EFTPS. The link in the message has been disguised so that it appears to point to the genuine EFTPS website. In fact, it is a phishing scam designed to steal personal information from recipients. At the time of writing, clicking the link in more recent scam emails that I have received invokes a “Page Not Found” error, apparently because the bogus website has been taken down. However, earlier instances of the scam emails opened a fake page designed to look like the genuine EFTPS. The fake page asked users to login to the system and provide personal and financial details. All information submitted on the bogus website is collected by Internet criminals and can then be used for fraud and identity theft.

The EFTPS has posted a warning about these phishing scams on its website, which notes in part:
Remember! EFTPS values your privacy and security and will never attempt to contact you via e-mail.
This scam campaign appears to be ongoing. A second wave of the scam emails is prefixed with the words “SECOND NOTICE” in the subject line. Scammers often put up new phishing websites to replace ones that have been taken down and change links in their scam emails accordingly. If you receive one of these emails, do not click any links that it may contain. Do not open any attachments that may arrive with the email.


Fake iTunes email receipt

Turns out there is a new form of iTunes-related Spam, and this is not just affecting iTunes users, but non-iTunes users too. The email, is in the form of a typical iTunes receipt.

This is what the email looks like

fake email preview

Spam, oh how we hate it.

There are few things you can keep an eye out for

The Song Listed: “Whatever You Like [Digital 45]” is priced a little high
The Totals don’t add up – $372.99 = $984.99 = $795.99 = $976.99??

If any of the links on the receipt are clicked then it will redirect you to a Canadian Pharmacy page with advice on how to please you significant other. This is an official infection. Please be sure to contact me if you receive this pharmacy popup.

If you can add up, or know how a receipt works, you will notice the ‘totals’ and be smart enough to realise its not a legitimate email.

Apple says
Quote:
this is a very new issue and they are working to get it under control. They said to delete the e-mail from your inbox and do not click on any of the links provided. If you received this e-mail and do have an iTunes account, check the account to make sure everything is in order.

Just keep an eye out for these emails.


Still using iphone 3G? bug and Fix

So, you are still using the iPhone 3? Well you may already know about this glitch, but I found it neccesary to post the glitch and the resolution. The problem we have come accross is that even though you delete your email from your inbox / deleted items, you can still search and revive these deleted emails. First delete your email message, then delete it from your deleted items folder, and close your email. Scroll over to the spotlight search and type in a keyword used in the email (Name, subject, email ect). That same email you deleted one minute ago is probably poplulating your search results right now. Apple has applied a fix in the latest software release for this device, but you have to update your software. You want to update to at least version 3.1.1.

How to update your phone?
Step 1: Make sure you have the latest version of  iTunes.
To update iTunes, go to the “Help” menu, and select “Check for updates.” If iTunes says you have the most recent version, you’re all set to move on to Step Two. If iTunes tells you that a more recent version of the application is available, download it.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone

Once you restart your computer (if you had to restart it), open iTunes again. You’ll have to review and accept the iTunes Software License Agreement before the new version will launch.

When you have iTunes open, connect your iPhone to your computer using its USB cable. (You may see your computer automatically installing the necessary drivers; if so, let this run.)

Once all the necessary drivers are installed, iTunes will recognize your iPhone. The phone’s name (which you gave it when you activated it) will appear under the “Devices” heading in the menu that runs on the left side of the iTunes screen.

iTunes may begin backing up and syncing your iPhone automatically, depending on whether or not you’ve set it to sync automatically. If you haven’t set up automatic syncing, you can do it manually.

Step 3:  Check for iPhone updates

Now you can check for a new version of the iPhone software.

Double click on the iPhone icon in the menu on the left side of the iTunes screen to open the iPhone Summary screen.

In the middle of the screen, you’ll see a section called “Version.” This tells you what version of the iPhone software your phone is running. If a newer version of the iOS is available, you’ll see a button that says “Update.” Click this to continue.

If you see a button that says “Check for Update,” that means iTunes has not automatically found a newer version of the iOS software. Click this to manually check for an update; if your iPhone is already running the most current version, you’ll see a pop up message

Step 4: Install Updates

If new iPhone software is available, you should have already clicked “Update.”

You’ll see a pop-up message from iTunes, notifying you that it is about to update your iPhone’s software and that it will verify the update with Apple.

Click “Update” again to continue.

iTunes may then present you with information about the new features in the software update and the hardware required to install it. Make sure that you have compatible hardware before you continue. If you do, click the prompts to move forward.

Step 5: Wait

Once you’ve accepted the license agreement, iTunes will begin downloading the new iPhone software. You’ll see a message telling you that the software is downloading in the middle of the iTunes window, under the heading “Version.”

On the left side of the screen, you’ll also see rotating arrows and a number next to the “Downloads” menu item. (This is under the “STORE” heading in the left hand menu in iTunes.) The rotating arrows show you that the download is in progress, and the number tells you how many items are being downloaded.

Once the software has been downloaded, you’ll see a message that iTunes is extracting the new software and another says “Preparing iPhone for software update.” You’ll also see a notification that iTunes is verifying the software update with Apple, and you may see drivers automatically installing. Some of these processes run quickly, while others take a few minutes. Accept all necessary prompts. Do not disconnect your iPhone during any of these processes.

Step 6: Let iTunes install the update

The new iPhone software will then begin to install on your phone. iTunes will display a progress bar that says “Updating iPhone software.”

Do not disconnect your phone during this process.

After the software has been installed, you’ll see a message that says “Verifying updated software.” This process takes just a few minutes; do not close iTunes or disconnect your phone while it’s running.

Next, you may see a message that iTunes is updating the iPhone’s firmware. Let this run; do not disconnect your iPhone while it is doing so.

Step 8: Make sure it is done!

When the update process is complete, iTunes may not give you any notification. Sometimes, iTunes just automatically disconnects your iPhone from the software and then connects it again. This happens quickly, and you may not even notice it.

Alternatively, you may see a notification that iTunes is going to reboot your iPhone. Let this process run.

Once the update process is complete, iTunes will tell you that your iPhone is running the current version of the iPhone software. You’ll see this information on the iPhone Summary screen.

To verify that your iPhone software is up to date, look at the top of the iPhone summary screen. You’ll see some general information about your iPhone, including which version of the iPhone software it’s running. This version should be the same as the software you just downloaded and installed.

Before you disconnect your iPhone from your computer, make sure that iTunes is not backing it up or syncing it again. When iTunes is syncing, your iPhone screen will display a large message that says “Sync in Progress.” You can also check the iTunes screen; you’ll see a message at the top of the screen that tells you if the backup and syncing progress has finished.

Congratulations, your iPhone has been updated!

 


Update your Flash player, and Adobe Reader!

I had a few calls dealing with crashed computers because of this flash player leak. Be sure to update your flash player at adobe.com.

Adobe has released Flash Player 10.1.85.3 in order to address a critical remote code execution vulnerability that was being actively exploited in the wild.

Last Monday, on September 13, Adobe warned customers that a previously unknown vulnerability has been identified in the latest version of Flash Player for all operating systems, including Android.

The alert by Adobe pointed out that according to reports the security hole is being exploited in the wild to infect Windows users with malware.

The vulnerability (CVE-2010-2884) also affects Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.3.4 and earlier versions, due the Flash interpreter (authplay.dll) integrated into these products.

The company acknowledges Steven Adair of the Shadowserver Foundation, an outfit dedicated to fighting botnets and other cyberthreats, for working with it on the issue.

Adobe recommends users of Adobe Flash Player 10.1.82.76 and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and Solaris update to Adobe Flash Player 10.1.85.3, and users of Adobe Flash Player 10.1.92.10 for Android update to Adobe Flash Player 10.1.95.1,” the vendor writes in its new security bulletin.

For users who can’t update to Flash Player 10 and are still using the 9.x branch, a patch has been released as Flash Player 9.0.283 and can be downloaded here.


PC vs. MAC

Wondering why not go with the more expensive MAC?

First you have to consider cost!

MAC: $15-$2500.00
PC: $300-$1,000.00

The PC I am currently writing this blog on is a 600.00 Windows 7 laptop. Great system!

I have to say that before Windows 7 hit the market, I was thinking about jumping ship. Not anymore! Windows 7 is stable and has far fewer bugs than its predecessor.

PCs are designed for work and play, with features you need to get things done on the job or at school and have fun at home or on the go. From easily sharing Microsoft Office documents to watching HDTV and Blu-ray movies, PCs help you do it all.

Macs don’t let you choose.

PCs give you a lot more choice and capabilities for your money. You can get the PC you want, in the size and color you want, with the features you want. You just don’t have as many options with a Mac.

Loaded with features.

You can’t get a Mac with a Blu-ray player, TV tuner, Memory Stick reader, or built-in 3G wireless. PCs running Windows 7 often come with features that aren’t available on even the highest end Macs, including Blu-ray, eSATA, multi-format card readers, Touch, and mobile broadband.

Available in your favorite color.

Macs only come in white or silver. PCs are available in a full spectrum of colors across a range of price points.

More digital media.

With PCs running Windows 7, you can play the videos and music stored on your home PC while you’re on the go, for free. Apple charges $99/year for its online service.

MACS dont break?!

Dont let them lie to you. There are thousands of forums out there to fix your MAC! It is possible for an Apple Macintosh to get a virus, so the short answer to the question is Yes. However, the likelihood of an Apple Macintosh user getting a virus when compared to a Microsoft Windows user is very little to none. In fact, many of the Apple Macintosh users don’t even run an antivirus protection program.

Below are some of the reasons why Apple Macintosh computers do not have as many viruses as Microsoft Windows.

  1. Newer Macintosh operating systems, such as the Mac OS X, is built on the Unix kernel, which is one of the oldest and most secure operating systems available.
  2. Microsoft Windows is used by a lot more users. Because more users use Microsoft Windows, it is a lot better of a target than Apple Macintosh computers.
  3. Most of the virus writers are familiar with the IBM platform and Microsoft Windows, and therefore are only going to be able to create a virus for that platform.
  4. Many of the tools and scripts used to help users create viruses or other malware are designed for Microsoft Windows.

In short, Windows 7 more options, more ability, and more risk! There are ways to protect your system though. If you need ultimate protection for your system. Give me a call!


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