An imposter created a MSN messenger alias using the full name of someone I know, got on my MSN messenger list, and IM'ed me as if it was him. (As the dialogue went on it became more and more suspicious, I called the actual person and confirmed that he wasn't IM'ing me).
How did this imposter do this? i.e. Getting a hold of a full name of my friend, knowing that we're acquainted, and getting on my buddy/contact list? Could this have been done by a total stranger or is this person more likely someone that knows me?
Should I report this? How can I prevent this from happening again?
Thanks in advance to whoever can share expertise!
2007-01-01 15:24:28 · 3 answers · asked by isleoftext 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
There are many ways to do this. One that i am most familiar with is called phishing. What the jacker does is create a fake sign-in page that looks like the real thing, you sign in(thinking your signing into MSN), and your username and password are sent to the phishers inbox. Phishers can also do this with names and personal informaton. For example, if you hear of an online contest on tv or the radio, a phisher can make a page that looks like the information sheet, asking for names, addresses, credit card numbers, etc.. and once you click 'submit' all your information is sent to the phisher. have personally fallen for this trick many times. If a phisher hacks into your account, stopping him/her is simple, change your password. i That's everything i can think of for now.
Hope I could help.
2007-01-01 15:39:44 · answer #1 · answered by UNKNOWN ONE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Person most definitely knows you to know your Buddy's name and to know your e-mail or display name
2007-01-01 15:33:22 · answer #2 · answered by ghost48@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll tell you later.
2007-01-01 15:30:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋