Avoiding scams
Because the internet is anonymous, it is susceptible to hoaxes and scams. Here are some common tricks you should be aware of:
- The online technical support agent
Someone poses as a Broadband representative and claims to offer you help with problems relating to passwords, telephone line noise, hackers, or other technical issues.
What they really want is to help themselves to your password and other personal information. Remember, Broadband Member Services representatives will never ask you for your password.
- The billing or Conditions of Service agent
We have a billing department but would never try to conduct account enquiries using Instant Messages. Broadband Member Services representatives will never ask you for your full credit card number.
- Trojan horse programs
Trojans arrive in your mailbox as email attachments, disguised as software, screensavers, photos or some other offer of free products. If you download one of these attachments, the trojan program may contain a virus that will damage files on your computer, or it may capture your password and send it to the hacker's email address.
If you receive a suspicious email with a file attachment, do not download the file. Forward the email to screen name COSFiles. Never download files sent to you from people you don't know.
