There is a rash of fake emails out there! They most likely are the result of what in general is called Phishing.
Lately I have been receiving emails from “known” addresses. However they are “fake”. How can you tell? Usually there is no subject... or an “odd” subject line like, Don’t Open This Email or some type of offer... and in the body of the email is a URL, (link). DON’T OPEN THE LINK!
For an explanation this link will take you to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing
Most of the Time you can discover the validity of these “phony” emails by just using Common Sense... DON’T BELIEVE ALL OF WHAT YOU SEE ON THE INTERNET... There is no such thing as a Black Lion (for example). In the case of the wonderful, exciting, impressive, heart rendering stuff you read on the world wide web it pays to be a cynic a very, very big one.
If you are common sense challenged, here are sites you can check to see if that story about some Nigerian officials widow that wants to share big bucks with you or other scams is really true.
Hoax-Slayer
http://www.hoax-slayer.com/
Snopes
http://www.snopes.com/
Truth or Fiction
http://www.truthorfiction.com/
And most importantly here are some suggestions to help avoid the problem getting your email pirated.
Don’t Drink and Surf... just like drinking and driving, you are unable to make good decisions.
Don’t go to porn, make tons of money, miracle cure, and the list could go on an on websites.
If you really have that much spare time and or are that lonely... spend time with your family,read a book, volunteer in your community, your church... and on and on. You know, Common Sense.
What to do if your email is compromised
What I did a few years ago was keep my Bellsouth email (I still have it) so everyone who had that could continue to send me stuff. But I pointed it at my newly established Gmail (ATT or your current internet provider will help you do this if you call them). If you use Hotmail, Yahoo, AOL or any other there are instructions on how to accomplish this in their help files). I began to tell my senders to send to my Gmail... the only Bellsouth stuff I get now is Spam so I spot it right away as that.
I’m a huge fan of Gmail because it offers some very neat features and for me has been super safe. Plus it’s FREE. By having a Gmail address you can change internet providers and keep your same email (gmail) address no matter who you use, ATT, Comcast etc
Have not (knock on wood) had a problem in a few years. I believe Gmail is by far the most secure out there.
If you are using Outlook or Outlook Express they are most vulnerable to attack . Once you make the conversion to Gmail you will find it more flexible as well as ton of other tools that you can use ...all Free.
Try implamenting these (Free) tools to make your online time safer.
Google, Gmail (free), AVG (paid version... AVG also has a very good FREE version) Ccleaner (free), Malwarebytes (free)
If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.
To get a Google account www.accounts.google.com
AVG http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage
Ccleaner http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
Malwarebytes http://shop.malwarebytes.org/lpa/342/3/7268/index_b.html?gclid=CPeYv5ethrACFYeo4Aod3xUFlw