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this case, it probably is not true and you will more than likely lose whatever capital you choose to invest, in this type of fraudulent enterprise.

On the other hand, a spam e-mail could advise you that you have just won a lottery worth several million dollars. You would be requested to submit your personal information to a specific e-mail address. In doing so, you expose yourself to possible identity theft.

Spoofing is a computer security issue, with fraudulent e-mail imitating a real e-mail.

Phishing may suggests that a person's actual account may have been compromised and a request is made for the personal or financial information that is on that account.

Baby boomers also need to be aware that they do not have to respond to any of these kinds of e-mails. If there is any question about the source of an e-mail, it should not be opened, or responded to in any way. This is a form of cyber abuse by predators and should be reported to the authorities. The e-mail should be deleted, as it may contain a virus.

Many of these e-mails will appear similar in script and format, with only the names, phones numbers and e-mail addresses changed. A number of them will appear to originate from the same part of the globe. They may contain what appears to be legal terminology. Some of them will seem to be an appeal for compassion. They will generally demand money and may be abusive, or become abusive, in the future, if you do reply to them.

When you receive an e-mail that has a heading in capital letters, it may represent something that is, or will be, potentially threatening in nature. Some of the e-mails will even include passport pictures. They may suggest large inheritances, a request for you to invest their money for some benevolent cause, potential partnerships or relationships, offers for employment, time shares, etc.

Many of these will suggest setting up an offshore bank account, or advise you to make a future visit to some country, in order to pick up large amounts of money. References may be made to specific delivery companies, who you are advised to contact. Do not telephone any of the telephone numbers as you may incur major telephone charges, set up bank accounts, agree to visit any of these places, or call any of the delivery companies.

Be aware that by responding to these kinds of e-mails, it only encourages the predators to continue. Cyber crime does need to be addressed, as it represents a major concern for the well being of baby boomers and others.

Regulation and self regulation are two different ways that cyber crime can and will be addressed, controlled, or hopefully eliminated in the future. Cyber crime awareness is really important to baby boomers and others.

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S cam
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S pam_%28electronic%29
(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E -mail_spoofing
(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P hishing

Learn more about this author, W. Diane Van Zwol.
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