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Scammer Alert!

Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:28 am

Scammer Alert!

Someone just contacted me through instant messaging and said "Want an autobuyer?" I quickly closed them down and changed my Neopets password. Is there anything else that I should do? :o

Since the only place I have my AIM displayed is on my profile on PPT, this means that the scammer is lurking or a member here. Be careful everyone! <_>

Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:00 am

I would also clear my cookies, and check in internet tools - temporary files, settings, view objects - just to be sure nothing was d/l without your knowledge.

Personally, I don't think it's a great idea to have your contact information just out there for anyone to see and click to contact you (this goes for everyone, not anything at you :)). I'm kind of protective of you all and paranoid.

Wed Aug 24, 2005 10:19 am

I don't get how people contacting you can suddenly get your password or download things onto your computer for you. o_O

Wed Aug 24, 2005 1:29 pm

Weewoo wrote:I don't get how people contacting you can suddenly get your password or download things onto your computer for you. o_O


One never knows how they can do it, but in acase like this, it is best. Someone probally contacted you through a forum, much like this one, if you had your screename on it. They likely where doing it as a joke, but itis best to take the steps you have took.

Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:15 pm

Slime Lord wrote:
Weewoo wrote:I don't get how people contacting you can suddenly get your password or download things onto your computer for you. o_O


One never knows how they can do it, but in acase like this, it is best. Someone probally contacted you through a forum, much like this one, if you had your screename on it. They likely where doing it as a joke, but itis best to take the steps you have took.


Err, they can't. The only way to get into your computer in the above situation is if the person "directly connected" to the autobuyer person. That ab guy would then have access to your IP address. Clearing your cookies and your cache is pointless, and IMO idiotic since you'll have to relogin everywhere again :P

BTW, does anyone know what your cache is? It stores images and pages from the net so that they load quicker when you next visit them. It has absolutely nothing to do with information to accounts, or anything.

Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:01 pm

winter wrote:BTW, does anyone know what your cache is? It stores images and pages from the net so that they load quicker when you next visit them. It has absolutely nothing to do with information to accounts, or anything.


Files stored in the cache can sometimes be accessed by other websites if you know how. It can give away as much as a tracking cookie in some cases and nobody likes having them. Clearing your cache is an important thing to do security wise, as sensitive information can be accessed. It's not as serious as needing to clear cookies but it would be foolish to avoid clearing your cache regularly.

You should also clear your cookies on a regular basis. In this case you didn't have to do anything but I'm sure most people would do the same just to feel safe, even though again it wasn't needed.

I'd also agree that you shouldn't put your contact information out for everyone to see - that's what PMs are for :)

Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:55 pm

winter wrote:
Slime Lord wrote:
Weewoo wrote:I don't get how people contacting you can suddenly get your password or download things onto your computer for you. o_O


One never knows how they can do it, but in acase like this, it is best. Someone probally contacted you through a forum, much like this one, if you had your screename on it. They likely where doing it as a joke, but itis best to take the steps you have took.


Err, they can't. The only way to get into your computer in the above situation is if the person "directly connected" to the autobuyer person. That ab guy would then have access to your IP address. Clearing your cookies and your cache is pointless, and IMO idiotic since you'll have to relogin everywhere again :P

BTW, does anyone know what your cache is? It stores images and pages from the net so that they load quicker when you next visit them. It has absolutely nothing to do with information to accounts, or anything.


..wrong. It's hard, but all they'd need is one post by you and the right software and they can get inyour computer and do more orless whatever they want. Beyond unlikely, though. And who would waste software like that on getting your neo account frozen o_O

...

Thu Aug 25, 2005 12:01 am

Well, I cleared everything out and ran a virus scan, just in case. Thanks for the advice and everything :) I know the chance of the person getting my password or something is remote, but it still scared the crap out of me :o

Thu Aug 25, 2005 12:11 am

Thanks for the heads up!
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