# 3075
Apparently, when it comes to scamming people for money, or stealing information, even the threat of a global pandemic is considered an opportunity by some people.
First this article from PC ADVISOR, then some discussion.
Spammers capitalise on Swine flu crisis
Emails offer links to online pharmacies
Carrie-Ann Skinner
Spam scams using the Swine Flu crisis to target unsuspecting web users are already accounting for two percent of global spam, says McAfee.
According to the security vendor, web users are receiving emails advertising drugs that will combat the disease and links to online pharmacies that claim to see the drugs. However the links navigate to hoax sites that could contain malware that will attempt to steal sensitive personal information.
The emails feature subject lines such as 'Swine flu in the USA' and 'First US Swine flu victims', but McAfee also revealed there had been emails that were linking celebrities such as Madonna and Salma Hayek to the virus.
McAfee is urging web users not to open emails from unknown sources and not to use links embedded in the emails.
As a long-time netizen (I was on BBS systems more than 25 years ago), I consider the Internet a wonderful invention. It has its faults of course, and a dark side, but it is also the greatest communication tool on the planet.
As a blogger, I use the net to put forth what I hope is good, honest, and accurate information.
There are some people out there who are only interested in making a buck, pushing an agenda, or cyber vandalism. For them, a `swine flu crisis’ is a tailor made opportunity.
A pandemic is serious business. People are going to die. Perhaps a lot of people.
Before you believe a rumor, or a conspiracy theory, or buy into some fringe `cure’ – do some research. And do it with reputable sources.
If it sounds Looney . . . it probably is.
Practically every day I receive hoax emails; solicitations by Nigerian Bankers, and notifications that I’ve won some lottery I’ve never heard of.
I’m sure most of you do, too.
Most people are savvy enough to trash them, but they wouldn’t keep sending them out if they weren’t returning a profit.
Obviously some people fall for them.
I’m less worried about the over-the-top scams than I am the ones that sound `reasonable’. A lot of bad advice will be offered by well-meaning people.
Your personal physician is your best source for medical advice, not some website trying to sell `swine flu cures’.
Next best will be your local health department websites, the CDC, or reputable sites like WebMD.
There are likely to be some safe and effective `natural’ or `alternative’ approaches to dealing with pandemic flu, but you should discuss them with your doctor before deciding to use them.
`Natural’ doesn’t automatically mean safe (or effective).
Lastly, don’t automatically forward emails to all your friends with rumors, conspiracy theories, or `cures’ without first checking to see if there is any basis to them.
A good place to start for rumors is Snopes.com.
We may not be able to stop the scammers and fear mongers, but at the very least, we can try not to help them along.
