On Oct 24, 2007, at 7:35 AM, BruceY wrote: > Wow, so that's it, is it? How in the heck do these crooks manage > to swipe someone's ebay password, and use it for devious purposes > such as this ? Bruce, Are you the only person on the planet that hasn't received a phishing email <g>? Here's the scenario: you get an official looking email from eBay (or PayPal, or some bank) saying that they've noticed fraudulent activity and have suspended your account. Fortunately, they provide you with a link to a login page, where you can "update" your info. Unfortunately for you, the email headers were forged and the link went to a bogus site where you just gave up your password, account numbers, etc. Not only have you compromised your eBay account, but you most likely will be the victim of identity theft down the road. These scams have evolved from the 14 year old nerd in a basement to organized crime gangs in Asia, Europe, and Russia. The viruses, worms, and trojans they write turn millions of home Windows PC's into a sophisticated network of "zombie" servers, sending out spam, phishing emails, and sometimes hosting the bogus login pages. While I'm on the subject of identity theft, I just read a recent study that showed that online fraud only accounts for about 20% of identity theft. Most cases are the result of old fashioned dumpster diving and mail theft. Don't be a victim: 1. Firewall your computer 2. Use a good antivirus program 3. Use a shredder (crosscut is best) </sermon> Loran