Social Network Scam
The Social network LinkedIn is being used by online fraudsters, BitDefender Antivirus experts warned today.
BitDefender stated that LinkedIn users are receiving emails requesting invitations to be added to other users’ social networks.
Users are more inclined to believe these emails as they come through official channels.
The scammers are using fake profiles on LinkedIn. When connection is made, fraudsters try to get LinkedIn users to articipate in advanced fee fund scam commonly known as the Nigerian 419 fraud.
The Nigerian 419 Fraud (Wikipedia):
The 419 scam originated in the early 1980s as the oil-based economy of Nigeria declined. Several unemployed university students first used this scam as a means of manipulating business visitors interested in shady deals in the Nigerian oil sector before targeting businessmen in the west, and later the wider population. Scammers in the early-to-mid 1990s targeted companies, sending scam messages via letter, fax, or Telex.
The spread of email and easy access to email-harvesting software made the cost of sending scam letters through the Internet inexpensive. In the 2000s, the 419 scam has spurred imitations from other locations in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.
Bogdan Dumitru, chief technology officer at BitDefender said: “This new twist to the old 419 scheme is more dangerous as there is an increased chance for network users to fall for the scam since they use it to build up their businesses or careers and thus tend to grant it some implicit trust.”
Dumitru noted that many sites, such as LinkedIn, are not able to verify the identity of those who join.
BitDefender also claimed that other social networking sites are likely to be used by fraudsters for similar scams.
Until next time 
Malcolm – Your Bitdefender Guide
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