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Alert: Beware My Verizon Bill is Fake Malicious Email

Consumer Alert | Technology Summary. There is a fake email circulating supposedly from Verizon about a bill being due. The links in the email, however, don’t go to Verizon’s website. They go (presumably) to a malicious site that will attempt to get your personal information or infect your computer with viruses. As long as you don’t… Continue reading Alert: Beware My Verizon Bill is Fake Malicious Email

Amazon Working Conditions – OSHA Investigates Heat in Pennsylvania Fulfillment Center – Consumer Report and Action Response

Activism > Consumer Defense Summary. In June 2011 Amazon was sited for having poor working conditions (excessive heat) in one of their east coast order fulfillment centers. Amazon has since remedied the situation (as explained below) and OSHA has closed their investigation of the matter. Further research revealed that safety at Amazon fulfillment centers is better… Continue reading Amazon Working Conditions – OSHA Investigates Heat in Pennsylvania Fulfillment Center – Consumer Report and Action Response

Website Browsing Tracked for Aggregate Consumer Analysis and Advertising

Finance | Consumer Defense Summary. Facebook, Google, and a host of other websites and advertisers track your browsing habits using cookies and other methods. Usually this is to provide advertising that’s relevant for your likes and dislikes. It’s almost creepy. You visit an online store, and soon begin to see ads for that store showing up… Continue reading Website Browsing Tracked for Aggregate Consumer Analysis and Advertising

Fake YouTube Email Spam is Hoax and Fraud with Links to Possible Malicious Website or Identity Theft Site

Consumer Defense Summary. A fake email that poses as being from a YouTube user is circulating. An image of the email is below. The text reads, “Username has sent you a message: Sorry… your email address here Can I place your video on my web site? You can reply to this message by visiting your inbox.”… Continue reading Fake YouTube Email Spam is Hoax and Fraud with Links to Possible Malicious Website or Identity Theft Site

Email Spam Fraud and Hoax From Hijacked Accounts to Send Fake Plea for Help

Consumer Defense Summary. You may receive an email that is a desperate plea for help from a friend, colleague, family member, or acquaintance. Before replying, you may want to compare it with the samples below that we’ve received. Many similar emails are sent out from hijacked user accounts of people with email service through AOL,… Continue reading Email Spam Fraud and Hoax From Hijacked Accounts to Send Fake Plea for Help

WARNING: Callpod Keeper Update Erases KeeperDesktop App Causing Users to Loose Access to Password Database

Technology > Apple Problem Summary. If you are a user of Callpod Keeper or KeeperDesktop secure password storage software for the Apple Mac OS X computer, you likely received an email today from Callpod indicating that an update is available. The instructions describe that you should download the update and copy it to your Applications… Continue reading WARNING: Callpod Keeper Update Erases KeeperDesktop App Causing Users to Loose Access to Password Database

Bottled Water vs Municipal City Tap Water – Comparison and Review for Choosing the Best Source – EPA and FDA Requirements

Health Summary. The best bottled water may be the one that you refill at your kitchen sink. However, comparisons are difficult because, unlike municipal water, bottled water producers aren’t required to conduct regular tests. The chart below offers a comparison between city municipal water testing and quality requirements compared to that of bottled water companies.… Continue reading Bottled Water vs Municipal City Tap Water – Comparison and Review for Choosing the Best Source – EPA and FDA Requirements

Symantec Norton Security Scan Uses Scareware Fake Antivirus Malware Tactics to Scare Customers Into Buying Their Software

Technology Summary. Scareware is a kind of software that infiltrates your computer and then posts warning messages on your screen to scare you into purchasing the software. It’s a form of misrepresentation, deception, and false advertising that is forbidden and harshly prosecuted by the Federal Trade Commission. We depend on reputable companies to keep us… Continue reading Symantec Norton Security Scan Uses Scareware Fake Antivirus Malware Tactics to Scare Customers Into Buying Their Software

GNC Claims Vitamin B12 is Only Available From Animal Sourced Foods – FALSE

Health Summary. In a recent advertising campaign, GNC published the statement that “Vegetarians and vegans are among the healthiest people in the world.” [source] Now that’s truth in advertising. However, the bold print of their advertisement reads, “The only natural source of vitamin B12 comes from consuming animal products.” Pictured in the ad is a cut of… Continue reading GNC Claims Vitamin B12 is Only Available From Animal Sourced Foods – FALSE