Bogus 'Jaycee Dugard' Sites Steal Personal Data

Scammers are using the Jaycee Dugard kidnapping case to trap the unwary. Here’s how to avoid them, and stay safe online:

How Scammers Set Traps With Celebrity News

Con artists often use highly publicized events — such as the recent death of Michael Jackson and the Jaycee Dugard case — to draw the public to toxic websites. For example, many people wanted to see photos of Dugard’s daughters, allegedly fathered by her kidnapper. This drove the phrase “Jaycee Dugard’s daughters’ photos” to the number one position among all Google search terms.

Seeing the public’s interest in the Dugard case, scammers quickly created bogus websites purporting to include the daughters’ photos and other information about the case. Salted with case-related keywords that would be picked up by the search engines, the websites didn’t actually include the photos — they weren’t released. However, the sites did include malicious “attack” software designed to invade visitors’ computers and steal passwords, Social Security numbers, banking and other sensitive information. (For more on the Dugard “attack” sites and how celebrity news spawns scams, see our brief video.)

How to Foil the Scammers and Stay Safe

A few simple precautions can help you stay safe while you check the news, hunt for work or conduct other activities online.

Stick to trusted websites. The Internet is a wonderful place for news and other information, but you’ll be safer if you use familiar or recommended sources.

Sign up for antivirus, phishing and spyware protection. While there are no “silver bullets” in the war against fraud, companies such as McAfee, Norton, AVG and others offer protection against spam, spyware and malicious websites.

Forward con artists’ spam to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPs continually update their spam filters and similar protective software. It’s not infallible, but the programmers depend upon users to help them cope with constantly changing scams.

Notify the authorities and other “watchdogs” when you encounter or are victimized by a scam. The FTC, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, your state’s Attorney General, consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau — all usually offer reporting options online. While it’s true that many of the authorities are swamped with complaints, documented examples can help them get the resources they need for increased enforcement.

Every environment has its risks, and the Internet is no different. Although it still has its “Wild West” aspects, you can minimize the chances of an outlaw ambush with research, protective software, and perhaps most important of all, a skeptical eye.

To find or start discussions about celebrity scams and online safety, visit Military.com’s forums.