4 Responses to “How can I protect my stubborn mother from online scams?”

1. TempoOne says:

   June 5, 2010 at 3:38 am

   Make sure that Smart Screen Filter is turned “on” in her beloved Internet Explorer. (I think it is called “Phishing Filter” if she is still using IE-7.) This will help guard against some, not all phishing attempts….of course she must heed the advice as well.

   SiteAdvisor can also help…

   “McAfee SiteAdvisor warns you before you interact with a dangerous Web site. Traditional security products focus on trying to clean up problems after they occur.”

   “McAfee SiteAdvisor also complements and enhances your existing security software by detecting threats which traditional security products often miss, including spyware attacks, online scams, and sites that spam you”
   Free from http://www.siteadvisor.com/

   As one who is 56 myself and who has never lost one red cent, nor has ever been scammed, never even had a computer virus, I find your ageist attitude that middle aged people are somehow too stupid to navigate the internet without the aid of a younger “Nanny” looking over our shoulder, both elitist and appalling.

   Perhaps your mother senses your obvious ageism and is saying, “Back off, I’ll do as I damn well please!”

   Anyway, good luck.
2. freaksterrao says:

   June 5, 2010 at 3:45 am

   I would suggest:
   1. Make use of Firefox mandatory.
   2. Just delete IE shortcuts from the desktop and start menu. Also make Firefox the default browser.
   3. Install Spy-Bot Search & Destroy(free). Install and regularly update its Tea-time scanner (For IE)
   4. Install Mcaffee Site Advisor (free). (It helps differentiate good and bad sites). Set it to by default block out bad sites.
   5. Site Advisor makes bad site links in search results RED. Make sure that you explain to your mom that Red is BAD.
   6. If you can spare some money install Avira AntiVir Suite/Avast. (Its a good Anti-Virus (can use free edition too) but Suite has Parental Control and Spam Filter)
   7. Make sure your Mom uses Gmail or Yahoo. (GMail’s spam protection is very good)
   If possible use Outlook or Thunderbird to just download emails in Inbox Folder of the online Web based Email provider. (That way any files in spam folder are not downloaded)
   8. Make your Moms Windows Account a Non-Admin.
   9. Install AdBlockPlus Firefox addon. (It blocks Ads. many Ads are malicious and tend to make false claims)
3. Sattamander says:

   June 5, 2010 at 4:03 am

   FYI not sure what bank your mother uses but she should be able to recoup the loss due to fraudulent actions. I would look into that if it has not been too long ago.
4. Adrian says:

   June 5, 2010 at 4:13 am

   Take her to the site:
   http://www.419eater.com
   and let her read up on the scammers. Otherwise, take her internet away from her…
   Check the firefox settings, make sure it is the default browser instead of IE…
5. How can I protect my stubborn mother from online scams … « Anti-Spam TV says:

   June 5, 2010 at 4:28 am

   [...] Here is the original:  How can I protect my stubborn mother from online scams … [...]

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

1. How can I protect my stubborn mother from online scams … « Anti-Spam TV