E-mail and Internet Scams
Not a week goes by without hearing about a new kind of e-mail hoax (albeit, most are recycled from previous years). Here are two of the most notorious "net-scams" you should watch-out for...one for individual e-mail users, the other for businesses with Web sites:

E-mail Users: The "Open This" E-mail
Ever wonder how most of those Windows PC virus attacks are started? By common e-mail users (like you and me) clicking on or attempting to open an e-mail attachment. We call this the "open this" e-mail scam because the e-mail you receive nonchalantly tells you to open the attached file. By opening the attachment, you've just released a program that uses your Windows PC to send the same e-mail to dozens or possibly hundreds of people. To make matters worse, these viruses send their malicious e-mail to your entire address book (if you're using Outlook or Outlook Express for Windows). Finally, someone you may or may not know will get an e-mail addressed from you asking them to, you guessed it, open the attached file. It's a vicious cycle.

How to stop it: First, all Internet users should invest in virus protection software and "keep-it-updated" (especially those of you using Windows). Second, never open a file that you're not already expecting - even if it's from someone you know. The temptation will be there, but be smart and resist ("Use the Force, Luke!").

Businesses & Web site Owners: The "You're Not Listed" E-mail
Spam is a problem, no doubt! But there are a few cleverly written spam e-mails that, for one reason or another, always seem to get through to businesses and Web site owners in particular.

If you have any stake in a Web site, you know how important it is (most of the time) to make sure it gets listed on the search engines - and gets listed as high as possible. Spammers know this and they use this topic to appeal to your senses. You'll receive urgent e-mail filled with misinformation about your Web site's search engine listings. Some promising you a listing (at the top nonetheless) on "thousands" of search engines. Others will trick you into believing that your site isn't listed at all - or it's positioned too low. Some may even offer you "undeniable proof" that there's something wrong with your Web site.

Whatever their tactics, their motives remain the same: To get you to respond, to take the bait, and ultimately to get your money.

How to stop it: First, and we can't stress this enough, IGNORE ALL SPAM. Second, realize these simple facts: the number of search engines to not number in the "thousands" - there are arguably 3-5 search engines and directories that pretty much run the show (Google, Yahoo!, Looksmart, Inktomi and Teoma). Third, be smart! How could everyone be promised top billing on all the search engines? And finally, if you ever have any doubts about your Web site's search engine listings, call a reputable and qualified firm like Colbridge Web Logics .

The Golden Rule: Never open, read, forward or believe any spam e-mail - no matter how tempting or how convincing!