Breach leaked names and emails of thousands of shoppers

* By: Joce Sterman http://www.abc2news.com/

Baltimore - They're a company that sends out million of emails a year, but you've never heard of Epsilon until now. That's because this internet marketing company is recovering from a security breach that impacts you. ABC2 News Joce Sterman has the steps you need to take to protect yourself in this week's Scam Alert.

Chances are you've handed it over dozens of times to get your hands on a deal. Retailers often ask for your email so they can send you specials or coupons. But thanks to a security breach, something else could be headed to your inbox.

Emails held by Epsilon, which handles marketing for thousands of retailers, have been compromised. As a result, scammers may now have your name and email address and they're ready to go phishing for more information.

You've probably already been warned about this breach through email already. Companies like Best Buy, Hilton, Target and 1-800-Flowers have been contacting their customers, letting them know about the problem and reminding them they will never ask for personal information like credit card or social security numbers through email. So if you get an email that requests that sort of information, you should delete it.

And there are other ways to protect yourself in the wake of this breach. Don't give out your user name or password through email. Don't open links or attachments sent to your inbox, unless you know the sender. You should make sure your computer's spyware, spam filters and virus protection are up to date. And never reply to any email asking for personal information, otherwise you'll risk opening your computer to a little online shopping for scammers.

Epsilon says hackers didn't get access to anything other than names and email addresses, but some lawmakers want to know for sure. Two members of congress are calling on the company to release more information about exactly what was stolen and from whom. Epsilon says only two-percent of its clients were involved in the breach.

These companies are among those impacted by the security breach:

1-800-Flowers
BJ's
Barclays Bank of Delaware
Best Buy
Brookstone
Capital One
Chase
Citi
Disney Destinations
Hilton Honors
Home Shopping Network
JPMorgan Chase
Kroger
LL Bean
Marriott Rewards
McKinsey & Company
New York & Company
Ritz-Carlton Rewards
Target
Tastefully Simple
The College Board
TiVo
US Bank
Walgreens

Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Check It Now.

Don’t Be Scammed When you’re A Newbie

http://www.searchenginemarketingsecrets.com/search-engine-optimization/dont-be-scammed-when-youre-a-newbie/

Affiliate marketing is trusted method of earning some extra money. You have the option of working from home and from anywhere on the earth. This industry creates numerous dollars per day hence internet marketing scams are natural. It’s inevitable however you may avoid from getting grabbed to fraudsters. There are lots of ways through which you possibly can identify affiliate marketing cons.

When you check the credibility, most affiliate marketing scams require a deposit to be designed. These so called companies are extremely often scams. Hence pay attention to the history of the provider. Before becoming an online, make sure that the company is offer higher top quality products. Above all be sure that the affiliates are getting paid promptly.

With the growth and the usage of World Wide Web, it has opened doors for several affiliate networks. These affiliate networks for some extent provide security hence you are rest assured likely safe to deal with rather then affiliate marketing scams.

Often many would find that hidden costs regarding affiliate marketing. Check them before you sign up for any affiliate product or perhaps service. Many companies offer affiliate marketing for a relatively lower cost in comparison with any good quality website which cost around $7 to $10. Make sure the price on the standard cost that other internet sites would charge. Hence in case you find an affiliate marketing promoting cheaper prices, you could realize that there’s a catch to that. Sometimes the server may not be quick enough or lack of space. Check before you sign up so that you can avoid affiliate marketing cons.

Software needs to depend on standard and there are various companies that give you services for cheaper prices. Before you have a shot at new or different internet software, check with other affiliates on the topic of the product. This will let you to prevent yourself via getting caught in any internet affiliate marketing scams.

Many affiliates realize they’ve been cheated once that they get their payments in order to hand. All affiliate companies have other ways to calculate commission of the affiliate. You would often realize affiliates will get settled on different percentages. Whilst some provide self-explanatory calculations other often involve in online marketing scams. These companies claim that they deduct a great amount of commission which they make reference to as hidden taxes.

Read through the finer points which are stated in the contract to be able to prevent from getting caught to affiliate internet marketing scams. Make sure that you do this before becoming a member of the contract. Check with all the company and get your doubts clarified prior to deciding to join.

Affiliate marketing scams are evident and will be traced down quickly. However awareness needs to get there for an affiliate before combining the company. If you think that a company teaches on an affiliate marketing fraud, avoid as much as you possibly can even if it’s an interesting idea.

Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Check It Now.

Epsilon warns consumers of phishing scams after breach

http://www.kplctv.com/
DALLAS (RNN) - Internet users should be on the lookout for more phishing scams in their email after online marketing giant Epsilon reported hackers had stolen email addresses and names from its databases.

The fear is that the hackers will use this information to scam users by sending them official-looking emails asking for personal information, such as passwords and social security numbers.

"We apologize for the inconvenience that this matter has caused consumers and for the potential unsolicited emails that may occur as a result of this incident," company president Bryan J. Kennedy said in a statement.

Epsilon said in a Wednesday news release that 2 percent of its user data had been stolen in the March 30 security breach. The stolen information was limited to email addresses and names.

They said that no passwords or other personal information had been leaked.

"Since the discovery of the unauthorized entry, rigorous internal and external reviews continue to confirm that only email addresses and/or names were compromised," the statement said.

The company says it is working with federal authorities and outside forensics experts to investigate the matter and beef up security.

Epsilon is a mass e-mail marketer that serves more than 2,500 clients worldwide, including companies like Disney, Best Buy, Verizon, Kroger and Capital One.

According to the company's website, it is the world's largest "permission-based email marketing provider." More than 2,200 people work for Epsilon.

When you get an email offer from one of its clients, such as Domino's Pizza, that email comes from Epsilon.

The company says it is worried now about the potential loss of clients due to the incident.

"Specifically, the company's number one priority over the near and long-term will be to ensure that Epsilon's clients regain complete trust in the company's operations," the statement said.

It also apologized to anyone who may experience spam as a result, and warned people to use caution.

"The company urges all consumers to take appropriate precautions and be vigilant with regard to opening emails and/or accessing links sent by unknown sources."

Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Check It Now.

SCAM ALERT

DHL PACKAGE DELIVERY SCAM
http://www.firewalls-and-virus-protection.com/

In my email today, and in different email accounts, I recieved dozens of notices like this -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear customer

The parcel was sent your home adress
And it will arrive within 10 business days

More information and the tracking number
are attached in document below.

Thank You

� 1994-2011 DHL.S Express Services, Inc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
You will probably see these notices appear in your email, too.
(Note the mis-spellings)

Ask yourself these questions -

1. Who do I know that would send me a package by DHL?
2. Why would anyone send me a package by DHL?
3. Did I order anything that could be shipped by DHL?

If you answer NO to any of these questions, you have been set up for a
SCAM, possibly by the Internet Crooks who compromised thousands of email addresses from a Texas facility recently -

---your addresses, and mine!

DO NOT attempt to open the link for the package - a package of Viruses, Trojans, etc.
... Richard
Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Check It Now.

6 Signs Of An Internet Scam

By R.B. Malo
http://www.streetarticles.com/

If a scammer knocked on your front door, you would probably call it they way you saw it and not let them in; but these days, fraudsters are slipping in through a side door, your computer, and maybe even your telephone; here are six ways then to spot a scam artist.

Watch out for claims that you will “make a lot of money in a short amount of time” - Translated, this means you can get rich quick. Scammers portray the Internet as a “magical” place where you don’t need to put in any effort or have a solid business plan. The dream of working at home in your pyjamas is extremely attractive to those of us who are weary of rotten bosses, toxic workplaces and uncertain working conditions.

They tell you you won't have to learn anything - Scammers tell you they will take care of all the details. They don't say how. In fact, there may be hidden costs, and extra "must have " services that you will "need" later to be successful in your business. Don't worry. They will take care of it. But that turns out to be an empty promise.

They convey sense of urgency “Get it now, before this offer is gone”. If you don’t decide now, you will miss out on a valuable opportunity of a life time! (This is usually in red type). If they have managed to get your phone number, they will continue to apply high pressure tactics, and tell you that there’s no time to hesitate. I'm not knocking legitimate businesses who use some good sales tactics, and actually do have a GOOD offer. Watch out, however, for anyone who starts belittling you if you don't act now!

In an Internet scam (as with many others), you will find that someone quickly starts asking for credit information. “You can start today, if you just pay this amount on your credit card” and then get rebilled X amount each month. Again, here come the high pressure tactics. Do not give out anything over the phone!

You won't be given the chance to do "due diligence" so you can investigate further. “Hurry now or you will miss out”, cry the scammers. In a moment of neediness and despair, you may just want to take a leap of faith without really looking before you leap.

No clear refund policy - They won't tell you how you can cancel your membership (for example), discontinue with the product or service, or get your money back. There are no details about how long the cooling off period is when you first purchase, and worse, when you finally are on to them, they give you the run around. They may be "dealing with other customers" or "no one is there to answer", and they delay getting back to you long enough to extract the first payment or two out of you.

Certainly recognizing these telltale signs of fraudulent practices can help you to avoid getting scammed on the Internet. That doesn't mean there aren't some excellent opportunities out there. As with anything else, though, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Check It Now.

Don’t Be Scammed When you are A Newbie

Affiliate marketing is trusted method of earning a little extra money. You have the option of working from home and from anywhere in the world. Especially if you are skilled with tools such as Micro Niche Tool. This industry creates a lot of dollars per day hence internet affiliate marketing scams are natural.

Its inevitable however you might avoid from getting caught to fraudsters. There are lots of ways through which you can identify affiliate marketing hoaxes.

When you check that credibility, most affiliate marketing scams need a deposit to be manufactured. These so called companies are very often scams. Hence check for the history of the corporation. Before becoming an online, make sure that the corporation is offer higher level of quality products. Above all make certain that the affiliates are getting paid by the due date. With the growth and using World Wide Web, there are opened doors for numerous affiliate networks. These affiliate networks by some extent provide security hence you happen to be rest assured actually safe to deal with rather then affiliate marketing scams. Usually many would find that hidden costs related to affiliate marketing. Check them before you check out any affiliate product and also service. Many companies offer internet affiliate marketing for a relatively lower cost with regards to any good quality website which costs around $7 to $10. Check on the price on the conventional cost that other websites would charge. Hence if you find an affiliate marketing promoting cheaper prices, you could realize that theres a catch to that. Sometimes the server might not be quick enough or deficit of space. Check before you sign up to be able to avoid affiliate marketing hoaxes. Software needs to depend on standard and there are various companies that offer you services for cheaper prices. Before you look at new or different online software, check with other affiliates in relation to the product. This will let you to prevent yourself by getting caught in any internet affiliate marketing scams. The best on the market are niche finder software tool or brad callen’s Niche Finder. Many affiliates realize they’ve been cheated once they will get their payments that will hand. All affiliate companies have various ways to calculate commission belonging to the affiliate.

You would often find affiliates will get settled on different percentages.

Whilst some provide simple investment calculations other often involve in internet affiliate marketing scams. These companies claim that they deduct a great amount of commission which they make reference to as hidden taxes. Read through the fine print which are stated in the contract to be able to prevent from getting caught to internet affiliate marketing scams. Make sure that you need to do this before taking the contract. Check considering the company and get your doubts clarified when you join. Affiliate marketing scams are evident and will be traced down quickly. However awareness needs that they are there for an affiliate before mixing the company. If you think that a company handles an affiliate marketing bad deal, avoid as much as it can be even if its attractive.

Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Watch It Now.

Internet Marketing Scams - Important Message

Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Watch It Now.

Affiliate Marketing Scams

By Sam
http://www.seointernetmarketing.co.uk/

Affiliate marketing is widely used method of earning some extra money. You have the option of working from home and from anywhere in the world. This industry creates millions of dollars per day hence affiliate marketing scams are natural. It’s inevitable however you could avoid from getting caught to fraudsters. There are a lot of ways through which you can identify affiliate marketing scams.

When you check the credibility, most affiliate marketing scams require a deposit to be made. These so called companies are very often scams. Hence check for the history of the company. Before becoming an affiliate, make sure that the company is offer higher quality products. Above all ensure that the affiliates are getting paid on time.

With the growth and the usage of World Wide Web, it has opened doors for many affiliate networks. These affiliate networks to some extent provide security hence you are rest assured that they are safe to deal with rather than affiliate marketing scams.

Very often many would find that hidden costs related to affiliate marketing. Check them before you sign up for any affiliate product or service. Many companies offer affiliate marketing for a relatively lower cost in comparison to any good quality website which will cost you around $7 to $10. Check on the price on the standard cost that other websites would charge. Hence if you find an affiliate marketing offering you cheaper prices, you will be able to realize that there’s a catch to this. Sometimes the server may not be quick enough or lack of space. Check before you sign up so that you can avoid affiliate marketing scams.

Software needs to be up to standard and there are various companies that offer you services for cheaper prices. Before you try new or different affiliate software, check with other affiliates with regards to the product. This will help you to prevent yourself from getting caught in any affiliate marketing scams.

Many affiliates realize that they have been cheated once they get their payments to hand. All affiliate companies have different ways to calculate commission of the affiliate. You would often find that affiliates will get paid on different percentages. Whilst some provide straight forward calculations other often involve in affiliate marketing scams. These companies claim that they deduct a certain amount of commission which they refer to as hidden taxes.

Read through the terms and conditions which are stated in the contract so that you can prevent from getting caught to affiliate marketing scams. Make sure that you do this before signing up for the contract. Check with the company and get your doubts clarified before you join.

Affiliate marketing scams are evident and can be traced down easily. However awareness needs to be there for an affiliate before joining up the company. If you think that a company deals with an affiliate marketing scam, avoid as much as possible even if it’s tempting.

Meet An Honest Marketer: Click Here To Watch It Now.