Minnesota parents are receiving emails that seemingly want to help provide security against sexual predators. But the truth of the matter is that these email links are actually scams that will lead to different computer viruses.
CBS Minnesota reports that although the links show messages about nearby sexual offenders and ways to protect your kids, clicking on the links will actually infect your computer with viruses that can steal passwords and financial details. "Our primary job as parents is to protect these little people that we created," Mark Lanterman, a parent from Minnesota with a background in computer forensics, said in an interview.
"I believe most parents, if they received this notification that a registered sex offender was moving into there area and here's a link telling me who they are and what they're doing to protect my family I think most of us would click on this," Lanterman continued. "These hackers, they're not stupid and they know what people will click on. Think before you click, people are trying to trick you."
Jill Oliviera from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension also told CBS Minnesota to avoid clicking on suspicious emails or links. Deleting the suspicious emails is an effective way to avoid being infected with virus. Parents can also call the contact number of the legitimate website the email is linking to but make sure to call a contact number that does not appear on the email.
"Do not click on links, download files or open attachments in emails from unknown senders. It is best to open attachments only when you are expecting them and know what they contain, even if you know the sender," shared Identity Theft Killer.
This advisory is a great advice that parents can use to protect themselves from email link virus scams that try to take advantage of their love for their kids and their desire to protect them from harm and danger.
