The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now using Gmail for their Mail Server! Well Maybe Not…

Do you ever get an Phishing email that just makes you laugh until you realize a percentage of the people receiving it will actually reply to it?

I received just such an email the day before the 4th of July. It is supposed to be from the FBI so I guess the date is appropriate.

The 4th of July Phishing Expedition

ATTENTION: FUND BENEFICIARY,

IT HAS COME TO OUR NOTICE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH AN IMPOSTER WHICH WE HAVE BEEN WARNING YOU TO TERMINATE ANY CONTACT WITH.

THIS IS ALSO TO NOTIFY YOU THAT YOUR FUND WILL BE TRANSFER TO YOU THROUGH A NOTABLE BANK IN UNITED STATES (HSBC).

WE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE PEOPLE YOU ARE DEALING WITH ARE TRYING EVERY POSSIBLE MEANS FOR YOU TO PAY AN UPFRONT FEE WHICH YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO PAY. THE ONLY FEE WHICH YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CONCLUSION OF YOUR TRANSFER IS THE SUM OF US$100 WHICH THE ACTIVATION FEE AND IT IS MANDATORY. AS SOON AS THE FEE OF US$100 IS BEEN PAID, YOU WILL BE ISSUED A TRANSFER CODE THAT YOU WILL TENDER TO ANY HSBC BRANCH IN UNITED STATES. MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT THE INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN REMITTANCE OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ON HOW YOU WILL MAKE THE PAYMENT OF US$100 AND THE POSSIBLE DAY TO RECEIVE THE CODE.

CONTACT NAME: MR. HENRY BILL
CONTACT E-MAIL: HWFINANCE@CIUDAD.COM.AR
CONTACT NUMBER: +234-8139461605
OFFICE ADDRESS: 15 AWOLOWO ROAD, IKOYI, LAGOS, NIGERIA

THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI) WASHINGTON, D.C, VEHEMENTLY ADVISE YOU COMPLY WITH THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY IN CHARGE OF YOUR FUND AND ADHERE TO EVERY INSTRUCTION GIVEN TO YOU, FOR SMOOTH AND EASY TRANSACTIONS, YOU’RE HEREBY AUTHORIZE TO CONTACT HENRY COLE VIA THE ABOVE INFORMATION ON HOW YOU’RE TO OBTAIN THE TRANSFER CODE WHICH WILL COST YOU APPROXIMATELY US$100 AND IF YOU’RE ASK TO SEND ANY MORE MONEY ASIDE THE ACTIVATION OF THE TRANSFER CODE, DO NOT HESITATE TO NOTIFY THIS OFFICE FOR SECURITY REASONS..

BEST REGARDS,

JOHN STEFANIDIS III
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
J. EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING
935 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE,
NW WASHINGTON, D.C

More Indications of email Fraud and/or Phishing
Other than the FBI using gmail for their email server there other indications that this email is fake.

Did you pick up on the [spam?] RE:MESSAGE FROM (FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION) in the email title? This means that the message triggered server level spam detection.

To investigate this further you can view the long or full header. There is plenty of information here to let you know why the server tagged this as spam.

Here is just a some of the information available there.

(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)
I post these phishing emails as a service to my readers.
I also post the entire email just in case someone is using search as a way to check the validity this particular email.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

4th of July, FBI, Phishing, Robert Mueller III, and John Stefanidis III is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Submitting Your Website to Directories with OneWaySEOLinks

Easily Increase Your Link Popularity, Google PageRank, Website Traffic And Profits. Hey, doesn’t everyone with a website want to do that?

I figured I’d join and check it out and report my finding back to you.

Our database lists OVER 400 of the TOP directories that accept one-way link submissions…

These websites start at PageRank 0 and go all the way up to PageRank 9!

There is absolutely NO charge for this service and you can use it in on as many websites as you like.

Does this sound too good to be true to you?
(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)
Signing up was simple and easy enough. The usability and functionality of the website was another story all together.

Adding projects was simple and straight forward. Submitting them was another story all together.

Some of the time when I tried to access their directories clicking on the “directories” link the site tried to download a .php page.

Other times when I tried to access their directories I got a database error.

When it did actually work it took 2 minutes to open the page.

I have a fast internet connection.
Here is proof from speakeasy.net/speedtest.

When I arrived at the directories page I was pleasantly surprised.
They had a clean looking interface that appeared to be very usable.

On with the experience.

They say “Easily Increase Your Link Popularity, Google PageRank, Website Traffic And Profits Starting Today… Without Spending A Penny!”.

When I clicked on the directory they have listed second there was money required and even a reciprocal link if you wanted the best price.

The first directory in their listings was another story.

I chose a category. I then clicked on the submit URL link and…

I got a 404 error.

I think there are easier ways to submit to directories and keep track of the submissions.

You can always build your own spreadsheet to track your directory submissions. There are also many sources for directories on the web.

I have even written a post on submitting to directories and how to find the most relevant ones.

So as far as OneWaySEOLinks goes…

Thank you for joining OneWaySEOLinks.com!

One of the best ways to achieve high rankings in the search engines is through link building. You absolutely must have numerous quality links to your site or you will never be found in the organic searches. Most webmasters don’t have a linking strategy, yet they wonder why their site lacks traffic and sales. Our goal is to help you easily gain hundreds of quality links to your site, without costing you a dime! Enjoy.

To get started, simply click Add Project. Enter a Title (eg. your site name) and URL. Then click Submit. Now click Directories and choose your Project from the drop-down menu to load all of the Directories (over 275!). Next you want to click on a Directory (the site will open in a new window) and manually submit your site. After you finish submitting your site, click Mark As Submitted. Enter your Anchor Text (eg. the title used in directory submission) and click Submit.

You can also gain access to 200 PageRank 4 – PageRank 9 High PR Directories by referring just 3 people to this site. Click Profile to access your Affiliate Link. You can view your Referral stats at any time by clicking Referrals.

Thanks for helping spreading the word about OneWaySEOLinks.com.

Happy link building!

Jeff Alderson

I am not able to access the PR 4 to PR9 directories but if they are anything like the other list of directories they are not worth my time.

If I can get 3 people to sign up I will have access to those directories and I will report on it at that time.

While I am not recommending OneWaySEOLinks at this time I might sometime in the future if they actually get the project up and running on all cylinders.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

OneWay SEO Links – Directory Submissions Made Easy? is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Day 2 at WebVisions Portland Oregon – Thinking the Unthinkable – Webvisionary Awards

Brad gave us a rousing opening for today’s WebVision festivities.

This mornings keynote was sponsored by Portland State University’s Multimedia Professional Program.

Jennifer Portis introduced Luke Williams.

“Thinking the Unthinkable: How to Spark Disruptive Innovation”

Luke gave us a very interesting visual media filled presentation to a large crowd.

Luke is a leading consultant, speaker, and educator in the area of innovation strategy and disruptive thinking. For more than a decade, he has worked internationally with industry leaders like Microsoft, American Express, Sony, Virgin, Disney, and Hewlett-Packard, to develop new products, services, brands, and business models.

Williams is a Fellow at frog design—one of the most influential innovation companies in the world—and an Adjunct Professor of innovation at NYU Stern School of Business.

The evening event for today is the Webvisionary Awards Show

The Webvisionary Awards honors the most visionary, daring, and curious talent on the web by awarding them with a miniature robot. Andrew Dickson is returning as the MC, DJs Rev Shines and Ronin Roc will supply the beat, and Chad the Robot will prove that he’s a dancin’ machine.

Presentation Karaoke will kick it all off. Sponsored by VTech, WebTrends, 52 Ltd and WebVisions. Held at Someday Lounge – 125 NW 5th Ave., Portland.

Well it’s back to the sessions for me at this time.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

WebVisions Day 2 May 20th 2010 – Webvisionary Awards is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

WebVisions – Workshops are featured Today and a PARTY!

Today’s WebVisions is all about workshops and of course the now famous WebVisions 10th Anniversary Party.

WebVisions has a great line up of workshops going on today.

The Workshops are listed below.

• Designing Social Interfaces
  The speakers are Christian Crumlish, Erin Malone
  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• How to Mix-n’-Match Web APIs
  The speaker is Tom Hughes-Croucher
  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• HTML5 and CSS3
  The speakers are Kimberly Blessing, Christopher Schmitt
  9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• iPhone Apps: From Concept to Launch
  The speakers are Raven Zachary, James Keller
  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Photography Tips from the New School
  The speaker is Kris Krug
  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Hands-On Map Scripting
  The speaker is Adam DuVander
  2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Real World iPhone Development
  The speaker is Collin Donnell
  2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• jQuery for Designers
  The speaker is David McFarland
  2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Design Strategy in a Nutshell: Connecting Design with Business Value
  The speaker is Kate Rutter
  2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

WebVisions 10th Anniversary Party

This is the 10th anniversary and they are throwing a hellova fun party to celebrate. The party is co-hosted by the fine folks of ReadWriteWeb and Network Solutions. They’ll have cake, free drinks and maybe even some give-aways.

They are expecting a big crowd arrive early as space is limited.

The venue is Lucky Lab in the Pearl – 1945 NW Quimby – 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

WebVisions: Workshops & 10th Anniversary Party is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Today is the last day to register online for WebVisions

You can sign up for WebVisions Today and Save!!!

Today being the last day to signup online, it is also the last day for you to get the Search Engine Optimizician WebVisions discount.

WebVisions is the premiere web related event in the North West. This 3 day extravaganza is something that everyone with an interest in the internet should attend. The special discount tickets start at $200 what a bargain. Register now!

Special prices for WebVisions 2010, which takes place from May 19-21 at the Oregon Convention Center. This is an exclusive deal for readers of Gary Pool’s Search Engine Optimizician blog.

You Can Win a Dahon Uno Bike

Dahon Mu Uno is possibly the world’s coolest urban bike, and it folds up in 10 seconds, making it ultimately portable and easy to store. DL Byron from Bike Hugger will give away a model that’s decked out for the tech jet set.

More About the Dahon Uno Bike

• Every bike comes with a quality, forged, dual-pivot caliper brake and brake lever in case you really want a front brake
• Easy to fold and roll in train stations so you don’t need to carry the bike
• Light weight, easy to carry, and only 22 lb

The tricked out Dahon Uno will be raffled before the closing keynote speaker on Friday, May 21st. Enter the drawing at the Bike Hugger booth #302 in the WebVisions Exhibit Hall.

Parties and Events

WebVisions 10th Anniversary Party will be held Wednesday, May 19th, 6:30 – 10:00pm.
This is the 10th anniversary for WebVisions and they are throwing a hella fun party to celebrate. This party will be co-hosted by ReadWriteWeb and Network Solutions, there will be free drinks, cake and maybe even some give-aways. Held at Lucky Lab NW – 1945 NW Quimby, Portland

Webvisionary Awards Show + Presentation Karaoke will be held Thursday, May 20th, 6:00 – 9:00pm.
The Webvisionary Awards honors the most visionary, daring, and curious talent on the web by awarding them with a miniature robot. Andrew Dickson returns as our MC, DJs Rev Shines and Ronin Roc will supply the beat, and Chad the Robot will prove that he’s a dancin’ machine. Presentation Karaoke will kick it all off. Sponsored by VTech, WebTrends, 52 Ltd and WebVisions. Held at Someday Lounge – 125 NW 5th Ave., Portland.

WebVisions Wrap Party will be held Friday, May 21st, 6:30pm – who knows.
While this even cannot be held at the Greek Cusina, WebVisions is starting a new tradition. Nel Centro is one of Portland’s hippest restaurants and they have a great outdoor patio with fire pits and cool lighting. Location: Nel Centro – 1408 SW Sixth Avenue.
(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

WebVisions – Last Day For Online Registration is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Thursday 4-15-10 Today is the Last Day to Submit Your Site for the WebVisions Webvisionary Awards

The talk at Lunch 2.0 yesterday centered around Webvisions’ Webvisionary Awards. Have you submitted your sites yet?

Brad filled us in about the WebVisions Webvisionary Awards and here are some of the details.

(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)

The categories are:

• Advertising
  We hope your throne in hell is uncomfortable.
• Applications
  Yeah, it’s funny. But does it do anything?
• Art/Experimental
  Named for William Thomas Fitzpatrick, the WTF Award (the golden ashtray) is for artists who spurn fiscal rewards, but secretly desire them anyway.
• Business
  Bonus irony points for giving credit on your “ecommerce” project to someone with a title of “webmaster.”
• Entertainment
  No, Mom. Your “Team Jacob” site does not qualify.
• Informational/Educational
  Information wants to be free, so let’s crowdsource it!
• Mashup
  An idea is nothing more or less than two existing ideas put together in a new way with an open API.
• Personal/Blog
  TMI, dude. TMI.
• Social/Community
  “See, it’s like Digg and LinkedIn, except we charge a subscription fee!”
• Student
  Like any other category, except the people working on the project eat only ramen.
• Video/Motion
  What if we tried to make something like those blue aliens in Avatar? I mean, why did we buy the flip cam if we’re not going to use it?
• Viral
  You didn’t just find it first, you created it. Congrats on making cubicle dwellers chuckle under their breath whenever they hear “taking one for the team”
• Best of Show
  Like Highlander, there can be only one.
• People’s Choice
  Testing the validity of democracy.
• 10 Year Award
  If Internet time were equivalent to real time, then the survival of this site over ten years is equivalent to the survival of cockroaches over the next millennia. Seriously, this is a new category this year in celebration of Webvisions tenth year. Submit any site that has been around for at least ten years, this category is for you.

Wouldn’t it be a kick if you get to walk away with a robot trophy?

Submit your site today or you wont be able to!

Don’t forget I have a special discount for my readers for WebVisions.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

Today is the LAST Day to Get Your Submissions in for the WebVisionary Awards is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

I just Love My Firefox Extensions but Will They Come Back and Bite Me in the Arse?

I have been telling you about all the really cool ad-ons for Firefox lately but, I ran across some information on TechRepublic today that just might have me apply a little pressure on the brake pedal.

This particular video informs us about the vulnerabilities in the Firefox extensions.

Bill Detwiler does a great job of explaining the things we should be aware of, how to check them out, and how to avoid them all together.

There is also a blooper reel at the end of the video that is worth watching.
(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)
Firefox extension vulnerabilities may increase malware risk by Bill Detwiler.

I have also included a video transcription.

TR Dojo: Firefox extension vulnerabilities and malware

Bill Detwiler: Firefox extensions are a great way to customize and improve your browsing experience. But, they can also be a security risk.

I’m Bill Detwiler, and during today’s episode of TR Dojo, I’ll explain how these handy additions can be both a benefit and a hazard.

Before we talk about their potential danger, it’s probably a good idea to explain the difference between Firefox add-ons, plugins, and extensions.

Basically, add-ons are all the Firefox enhancements that users can install, and there are three types of add-ons — extensions (such as NoScript and Adblock), plugins (such as QuickTime or Flash), and themes (which change the look of the browser).

For the purpose of this video, we’ll be focusing on just extensions.

At last year’s DEF CON 17, security consultants Roberto Suggi Liverani and Nick Freeman delivered a presentation on how an attacker could use Firefox extensions to install malware.

In a subsequent interview with TechRepublic blogger Michael Kassner, the two men explained how this could happen.

First and foremost the two say Mozilla ‘s extension security model is weak, and they provide several examples.

To begin with, extension code is fully trusted by Firefox. Therefore any vulnerability in that code could result in the entire system being compromised.

Second, there are no security boundaries between extensions, meaning that one extension could silently modify another.

Third, the C++ Cross-Platform Component Object Model (or XPCOM) components are subject to memory corruption.

Fourth, extension vulnerabilities are platform independent.

Fifth, there are no security policies to allow/deny Firefox access to internal API, XPCOM components, and the like.

And lastly, any Mozilla application with the extensions system (such as Thunderbird) is also vulnerable.

Second on the Suggi Liverani and Freeman’s of extension vulnerabilities is the human factor. They claim that many end users have a false sense of security about extensions because they are being downloaded from Mozilla. Furthermore, those who develop extensions often do so as a hobby and may not necessarily be aware of how dangerous a vulnerable extension can be.

And lastly, the pair believes Mozilla should improve the security assessment for new extensions.

To prove their point, Suggi Liverani and Freeman cite three
examples of compromised extensions:

FormSpy — which in 2006 was designed to install the downloader-AXM Trojan.

Firestarterfox — which in 2008 was designed to hijack search request and route them through a Russain website.

And the Vietnamese Language Pack — which shipped in 2008 and included adware.

So how do you protect yourself from extension vulnerabilities?

Unfortunately, the best defense seems to be avoiding extensions all together. You can do this in a corporate environment by configuring Firefox to run only in Safe-Mode, which will prevent users from being able to install extensions. But even this is a double-edged sword and this will also prevent you from running  NoScript a very popular extension that helps protect users from unsafe Web sites.

For developers, the pair recommends following the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) developer guide and checking the code of similar extension for ideas on how to avoid the vulnerabilities.

For security professionals, they suggested adhering to the (OWASP) testing guide and watching for information on new threats.

If you’re an end user, the pair provide several tips:

• First, don’t automatically trust extensions.
• Check Bugzilla for new information about extension-security issues.
• Make sure extensions are up-to-date.
• And as I mentioned earlier, consider running Firefox in Safe Mode.

Lastly, remember that extensions require user interaction to be installed. So if you find an extension that you really want to use, carefully research it before clicking install.

For more information on Firefox extension vulnerabilities and technical details of how they can be exploited, check out Michael Kassner’s interview with Suggi Liverani and Freeman. I also encourage you to read the pair’s DEF CON 17 presentation on the subject.

It’s also important to note that according to Mozilla, all add-on files are scanned for malware when uploaded to their site. The files are also put through a Code Validation Tool that looks for possible code quality issues. Lastly, in February 2010, the organization published a lengthy description of the add-on review process, including steps they’re taking to improve security.

I’ll link to the Mozilla article, Kassner’s interview, and Suggi Liverani and Freeman’s presentation in the TR Dojo blog.

As always, for more teachings on your path to becoming an IT Ninja, visit trdojo.techrepublic.com, or you can follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/billdetwiler.

Thanks for visiting the TR Dojo.

Thanks for the great information Bill and TechRepublic.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

Firefox Extensions are Cool but Do These Extensions Have Vulnerabilities is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Early Bird Rates End March 31st. Hey That’s Tomorrow! Don’t be Left out in the Cold

The Early Bird Rates will end Tomorrow! Be sure to Register Now and take advantage of the special pricing.

Here is some information on the new workshops I didn’t discuss in my earlier post on the Workshops.

“Communicating Ideas with Comics”

Twitter’s Kevin Cheng somehow missed the instructions to stop drawing after the first grade. Kevin now splits his time between Twitter, and finishing his book “See What I Mean: How to Communicate Ideas With Comics“.

Kevin has a history of mixing his many passions for games, comics, design and technology. He was the Director of User Experience for the gaming social network Raptr and the designer for Yahoo! Pipes. He co-founded the user experience web comic OK/Cancel, and the online comic publishing network Off Panel Productions. Through Off Panel, he recently co-created an iPhone augmented reality game called “ARGH”.

Everything You Need to Know about HTML5 and CSS3

Recent implementation of HTML5 and CSS3 features in today’s browsers allow for greater design control and creativity in our Web sites. HTML5 introduces a number of new elements and attributes that reflect typical usage on modern Web sites, which includes new functionality for audio and video elements. But is anything else new?

In their full-day workshop on “HTML5 and CSS3”, Kimberly Blessing and Christopher Schmitt will share what you need to know about the new markup, understand how to incorporate new HTML5 elements to embrace the new creative freedoms of of new Web typography and CSS3.

Map Scripting

Location based data is pervasive and whether is a business site or a personal blog, your can take advantage by adding informative, interactive maps.

Adam DuVander’s half-day workshop on “Hands-on Map Scripting”:

• Use Mapstraction to write code once that creates Google Maps, Yahoo, Bing, MapQuest—a dozen different providers
• Find your user’s location no matter what the browser—even a mobile phone
• Customize your map with your own markers and map imagery
• Convert addresses to latitude/longitude coordinates, so you can turn user input into data
• Find other sources of geographic data by connecting to APIs, like Twitter and local search

Just as all good things must come to an end so will the early bird rates for WebVisions so Register Today and save some cash.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

WebVisions Early Bird Rates End the Tomorrow – New Workshops Information is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Mozilla confirms a critical vulnerability in the latest version of Firefox, and promised to plug the hole by the end of the month.

Firefox 3.6 launched in January has a security hole. Shall we call it a bug or a feature?

Mozilla states that it would be patched in version 3.6.2, currently which should be released March 30th.

This patch won’t be added to Firefox before the Pwn2Own browser hacking challenge. The researchers won’t be allowed to use this particular flaw, according to the contest’s organizer.

The Pwn2Own hacking contest started today! They will call it a feature.

(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)
This bug was disclosed by Evgeny Legerov, a Russian researcher, about a month ago in a message posted on a forum.

Mozilla confirms critical Firefox bug
By Gregg Keizer

Legerov did not publish attack code, and initially refused to provide details to Mozilla, according to a March 4 entry he posted on his blog. “I’ve ignored e-mails … from Mozilla, please do not waste my and your time anymore,” Legerov wrote. The blog has since been deleted, but is still available via Google’s cache.

Mozilla yesterday said Legerov had eventually sent them “sufficient details to reproduce and analyze the issue.”

According to Mozilla:

To clarify, as originally claimed this issue affects Firefox 3.6 only and not any earlier versions. Thunderbird and SeaMonkey are based on earlier versions of the browser engine and are not affected. People testing “3.7″ development builds should upgrade to 3.7 alpha 3 or the latest nightly build to ensure they have this fix.

Mozilla urges Firefox users to download Release Candidate builds of Firefox 3.6.2 which contains the fix from the Beta fix download files here.
We will call it a bug.

Never Mind Firefox 3.6.2 was released ahead of sehedule:

Mozilla has accelerated its timetable and released Firefox 3.6.2 ahead of schedule. This release contains a number of security fixes, including a fix to Secunia Advisory SA38608 which was previously discussed on this blog when we were first made aware of and were then able to confirm the issue.

For additional information please see Mozilla Foundation’s Security Advisory MFSA-10-08 as well as the Firefox 3.6.2 Release Notes. We urge users to promptly update to this release by selecting “Check for Updates…” from the “Help” menu, or by visiting https://www.mozilla.com/ for a free download.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

Firefox – Mozilla confirms critical bug – Firefox to the Rescue is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Special WebVisions Rates for Search Engine Optimizician SEO Blog Readers

I have worked out a special deal with the folks at WebVisions for all the Search Engine Optimizician readers.

Join us at WebVisions for their 10th year. Register Now!

WebVisions explores the future of web design, technology, user experience and business strategy from May 19-21 at the Oregon Convention Center.

Visionary Workshops, Visionary Speakers

Immersive workshops with the web’s leading visionaries will explore topics in a small group setting.

All workshops will be held on Wednesday, May 19th from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

• Designing Social Interfaces – Christian Crumlish & Erin Malone
• Mix-n’-Match Web APIs – Tom Hughes-Croucher of Yahoo!
• iPhone Apps: Concept to Launch – Raven Zachary & James Keller
• Real World iPhone Development – Collin Donnell
• Photography Tips from the New School – Kris Krug
• Hands-On Map Scripting – Adam DuVander
• jQuery for Designers David McFarland
• Design Strategy in a Nutshell – Kate Rutter
• HTML5 and CSS3 – Chris Schmitt & Kimberly Blessing

Check out my earlier post on the Workshops.

Three Days, Over Forty Speakers

Early Bird rates end in nine days. Don’t miss out on great rates for conference passes and workshops!

Register today!

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

WebVisions – The Early Bird Rates End March 31st is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

The Battle over US Internet Supremacy Goes to Facebook as Google has to take the Back Seat for a Week

It has happened before but… Facebook beat out Google on individual days during the holidays but this time it is for a full week.

Information released from Experian Hitwise shows that Facebook won the traffic title from Google for an entire week.

Does this mean that Google’s evil empire is being defeated by the Social Rebellion? Has Facebook learned to use the “force” to help them defeat Google?

Here is a graph from Experian Hitwise that will show the battle.

(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)

Hitwise Intelligence – Heather Dougherty – North America
Facebook Reaches Top Ranking in US
March 15, 2010

Facebook reached an important milestone for the week ending March 13, 2010 and surpassed Google in the US to become the most visited website for the week. Facebook.com recently reached the #1 ranking on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day as well as the weekend of March 6th and 7th. The market share of visits to Facebook.com increased 185% last week as compared to the same week in 2009, while visits to Google.com increased 9% during the same time frame. Together Facebook.com and Google.com accounted for 14% of all US Internet visits last week.

What can be learned from the fact that people are visiting Facebook more than Google?

Is Google’s core business being a search engine in danger? Google is a search engine it is a tool, and one that works on getting better every day.

Facebook only search is designed to bring users to Facebook. Social networking is the new kid on the internet block. It is still riding the peak of the wave.

Facebook can now leverage those user visits to gain a controlling interest in the online ad-placement business. Google’s advertisers may begin to migrate to the higher traffic site.

The paid advertising on Google’s search results is their monetization. Can Facebook cut deep enough to draw Google blood?

Only time will tell.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

Google Loses Traffic Battle to Facebook for the First Time is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

10 ways you could be breaking the law with your computer without even knowing it

Are You Unknowingly Breaking the Law with your Computers?
Those of us who use our computers on a day to day basis have a tendency to take them and their use for granted.

Most of us have our WIFI connection set on automatic. We set our preferences to remember the networks we have accepted and let it do it’s thing.

WIFI for Dummies

We don’t take into account that there are many networks with the same name. Most of the networks out there are created by plugging in the wireless router and connecting it to the modem. This uses the default name for the network. How many networks have you seen named “linksys” or “NETGEAR”? Our computers just remember the network by their names and just connects to any open network.
(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)

The big question is “Am I breaking the law?”.

The Answer is “…possibly!”.

1. Digital Millennium Copyright (DMCA) Act
   The DMCA makes it a criminal offense to circumvent any kind of technological copy protection. Even if you don’t violate anyone’s copyright in doing so. Simply disabling the copy protection is a federal crime.
2. No Electronic Theft (NET) Act
   The NET Act made copyright infringement a federal criminal offense, it doesn’t matter whether you circumvent copy-protection technology and/or derive any commercial benefit or monetary gain. Just making a copy of copyrighted work for a friend now makes you subject to up to five years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.
3. Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)
   ACTA covers a number of areas, which include counterfeit products and generic medicines, but computer users are effected the chapter “Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights.”
4. Court rulings regarding border searches
   Be aware that even though you’ve done nothing illegal and are not even a suspect, the contents of your portable computer, PDA, or smart phone can be accessed by government agents when you enter the Unites States.
5. State and federal laws regarding access to networks
   “WIFI for Dummies”
   Many states have criminal laws that prohibits accessing any computer or network without the owner’s permission. The wording of most these laws include connecting to a wireless network without explicit permission, even if the network is unsecured.
6. “Tools of a crime” laws
   Some states actually have laws that make it a crime to possess a “criminal instrument” or the “tool of a crime.” What this means is that you could be arrested and prosecuted, for constructing a high gain wireless antenna for the purpose of tapping into someone else’s Wi-Fi network whether or not you actually accessed a network.
7. Cyberstalking and Cyberbullying laws
   The “cyberstalking” laws enacted by the states have a tendency to contain some pretty broad language. April 2009, the Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act (H.R. 1966) was introduced in the U.S. Congress. This would make it a federal crime to “intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to another person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated and hostile behavior.”
8. Internet gambling laws
   The federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 criminalizes acceptance of funds from bettors. Some state laws do apply to the person placing the bet. A Washington law passed in 2006 makes gambling on the Internet a felony.
9. Child pornography laws
   You be arrested for possession of child pornography or for exposing children to pornography even though you never voluntarily indulged in it.
10. Pro IP Act
    The Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act (Pro IP Act), signed into law in 2008, imposes stricter penalties for copyright infringement. Some local jurisdictions have also established seizure authority for piracy.

This post is paraphrased from “10 ways you might be breaking the law with your computer: UPDATED” by Debra Littlejohn Shinder, MVP posted March 10th, 2010. Please visit that website for more detailed information.

After all of that eye opening information we can no longer consider our selves innocent when it comes to using our computers. We are not computer babies any more.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

Top Ten Ways to Break the Law with your Computer is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

The Webvisions event is being held May 19th thru the 21st

This year WebVisions has a fantastic lineup of workshops scheduled.

Workshops at this time are being scheduled all day on Wednesday, May 19th, 2010.

I have worked out a special deal for my SEO blog readers with WebVisions.

Check it out and Register Today!

The WebVisions Workshops come in 3 flavors:

• Morning
• Afternoon
• All Day

Morning Workshops

Designing Social Interfaces
Wed May 19, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Christian Crumlish & Erin Malone

Designing social websites and applications, or adding a social dimension to an existing project, entails unique challenges way beyond those involved in creating experiences for interacting alone with an interface.

How to Mix-n’-Match Web APIs
Wed May 19, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tom Hughes-Croucher

Web APIs, the building blocks of powerful social applications, and sites like Flickr and Twitter have created a real demand for them. We all enjoy being social and want to bring that social experience to our sites, the real power behind APIs is their ability to combine to create something new.

iPhone Apps: From Concept to Launch
Wed May 19, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
James Kelle & Raven Zachary

Do you have a great idea for an iPhone app with no idea how to make it a reality?

In this half-day workshop, Small Society’s iPhone experts Raven Zachary and James Keller will walk you through the process of bringing your iPhone application to market—from the initial concept all the way through launch.

Photography Tips from the New School
Wed May 19, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Kris Krug

The world of photography is changing at a rapid pace. Our traditional skills are no longer making the most sense because our format has begun to shift from print to online. In this half day workshop, Kris Krüg will give your some practical insight on how to navigate in this online landscape.

Afternoon Workshops

Hands-On Map Scripting
Wed May 19, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Adam DuVander

Your users are somewhere. Find them and put your website on the map.

Location data is pervasive and whether you have a business or a personal blog, your site can take advantage by incorporating informative, interactive maps. Add some “where” to your website with this mapping APIs workshop.

iPhone Development
Wed May 19, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Ever wanted to develop an iPhone application but were unsure how to get started?
Discover the secrets of programming iPhone applications in a half-day workshop that covers programming techniques, app creation and more.

jQuery for Designers
Wed May 19, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
David McFarland

Creating dynamic, interactive user interfaces used to require extensive JavaScript programming experience. But now, thanks to jQuery—the most popular JavaScript library—adding useful, accessible, and powerful features to a web site is well within the reach of web designers.

Design Strategy in a Nutshell – 5 Tools to Connect Design with Business Value
No date and time scheduled at this time
Kate Rutter

Good design alone isn’t enough to get great experiences out into the world. You need to be smart about how you start and finish as well. That’s where design strategy comes into play…

All Day Workshops

HTML5 and CSS3
Wed May 19, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Kimberly Blessing & Christopher Schmitt

Recent implementation of HTML5 and CSS3 features in modern browsers allow for greater design control and creativity in our Web sites.

In this full-day workshop, presented by Kimberly Blessing and Christopher Schmitt, attendees will re-learn what they thought about markup, learn how to incorporate new HTML5 elements and embrace the new creative freedoms of of new Web typography and CSS3.

Don’t forget the Special Search Engine Optimizician Readers Price!

More about WebVisions.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

The Webvisions Workshops Focus on the iPhone and Social Media is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

WebVisions is Celebrating Their 10th Year in Portland Oregon

WebVisions, a nationally recognized conference exploring the future of Web design, technology, user experience & business strategy. May 19th thru 21st 2010 at the Oregon Convention Center.

Looking back to our first year, Portland was in the midst of an August heatwave, with temperatures over 100 degrees. It was stiflingly hot at the venue and Jeffrey Zeldman delivered a keynote address on web standards which was followed by a panel discussion on “The DIY Revolution.”

To top it off, we had to run over 50 feet of phone cable and connect to a 56k modem to access the web. Broadband, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and mobile were still years away.

Get in on the special Search Engine Optimization readers discount.

Here is just a sampling of my previous WebVisions posts.

SEO Tips Worth the Price of Admission at WebVisions

Google Local Search Tips That Will Help With SEO from Kent Lewis and Vanessa Fox

Yesterday at WebVisions in Portland, Oregon, I got two tips about Google Local and SEO that were worth the price of admission by themselves.

The Future of Web Design, User Experience, and Business Strategy

The Creative Conference for the Web

May 20-22, 2009 – Portland, Oregon

I have attended many of the previous WebVisions but this year’s looks like it is going to be the greatest ever.

Webvisions 2008 Wrap Up | Ouzo

This Webvisions 2008 was the best yet. I can’t believe I’m feeling this way but I can hardly wait ’til next years Webvisions 2009.

Live from Webvisions 2008 | Hacking Enterprise with Social Media

DL Byron, Textura Design.

Byron is the Principal of Textura Design, and the co-author of Publish & Prosper: Blogging for Your Business, a New Riders book.

Here is a link to all of my WebVision posts.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Late,
Gary Pool SEO

Future – Web Design Technology – User Experience – Business Strategy is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

If You Use Firefox You Need to Check Out these Add-ons to Enhance Your Internet Security

Since I have been discussing Firefox extensions and plugins I thought this information on enhanced security would be appropriate.

I ran across an article on TechRepublic about Firefox and enhancing internet security.

Compromising Web sites has become cybercriminals’ favorite method of getting malware installed on computers. … ways to beef-up Firefox and make it more difficult for the bad guys.

While I don’t use all of these, I do use quite a few. I would suggest you take a look at them for your particular use.
(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)
Ten Firefox Add-ons for Your Internet Security

1. NoScript
   “The best security you can get in a web browser!”
   Allow active content to run only from sites you trust, and protect yourself against XSS and Clickjacking attacks. NoScript allows you to decide whether JavaScript, Java, and other content are allowed to run.



2. BetterPrivacy
   “BetterPrivacy is a safeguard which protects from usually not deletable LSO’s on Google, YouTube, Ebay… ” The best way to control Flash cookies. Flash cookies are difficult to remove, do not expire, and can re-create deleted HTTP cookies.



3. AdBlock Plus
   “AdBlock Plus is not a security add-on.” Ever been annoyed by all those ads and banners on the internet that often take longer to download than everything else on the page? Install Adblock Plus now and get rid of them.



4. Perspectives
   Anything that helps to reduce the likelihood of TLS/SSL attacks (think identity theft) is important. “We will try to keep the version on addons.mozilla.org up-to-date, and plan on eventually submitting the extension for a review in order to no longer be in the Firefox addons sandbox.”



5. SSL Blacklist
   Detects weak or revoked certificates. Both should be a concern. SSL Blacklist also checks if the certificate was built using the vulnerable MD5 hash algorithm, another huge security weakness.



6. WOT
   “WOT ranks search entries according to their trustworthiness, vendor reliability, privacy, and child safety.” Web of Trust warns you about risky sites that cheat customers, deliver malware or send spam.



7. PhishTank SiteChecker
   “PhishTank SiteChecker is a Firefox add-on using an API provided by PhishTank and its active anti-phishing community.” PhishTank SiteChecker gives Firefox users a way to bring the community judgment of PhishTank into their browser, for extra protection against phishing…



8. TrackerWatcher
   The Trackerwatcher add-on allows you to see what’s going on behind the scenes. “TrackerWatcher shows you what companies may watch what you do on any web site and how they promise to handle your information.”



9. BugMeNot
   BugMeNot’s main purpose is to eliminate advertising spam from Web sites that require registering. “Don’t register any more! Search for public logins in BugMeNot. Enter the URL in the search box. “



10. Xmarks
    While not a security add-on Xmarks is still very helpful and it makes a total of 10 . It will allow you to keep your bookmarks synchronized on several computers without any hastle.

While they may slow you down until you get them set they do offer quite a bit of extra protection.
Enjoy!

Late,
Gary Pool

Firefox Add-ons for Internet Security is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

New Media in a Convergence Culture Understanding Marketing in the YouTube Age – John Anthony Hartman

On the Edge – New Media in a Convergence Culture Understanding Marketing in the YouTube Age is the final offering of the series. John Hartman from Feedia is talking about Convergence Culture and Henry Jenkins.

“We are no longer defined by an individual screen.”

John is talking about Convergence Culture and Henry Jenkins.

(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)

Hear the latest on how aspects of social media are moving brand marketing.

Topics include:

• Digital effect on brand in a remix culture
• Consumers as content creators and what viewers do with media properties they love and hate
• Philosophy of conversation and how “message” is a two-way street
• Platforms and technology that create New Interactive Media Beyond Linear Experiences (NIMBLE)
• Branded entertainment
• Risk-reward of freeing brand, and creating a media plan that works in a “reputation economy”
• Transmedia campaigns and how cross-platform tactics elevate brand and generate greater ROI

We are watching a video of Henry Jenkins on Convergence Culture.

It’s not just YouTube there many video aggregators out there including hulu.

Viral is an outcome NOT a strategy!

Pink Glove Dance

Mitch Turpen is explaining the process of this viral video and what has happened as a result of the “Pink Glove Dance”.

Creative Commons has now taken the place of the Copyright ©.

John is telling us about @PeggyOlson and Carri Bugbee.

John is now discussing the fake part of the internet and how somethings went wrong as well as right.

Mentos & Diet Coke

Many companies are picking up on the social media guidelines.

What it means to be a brand has gone beyond anything close to what is has been in the past. The brand now actually becomes a social space.

Lovemarks and Reputation
If you screw up stand up and take the credit and your medicine.

Video is actually becoming more interactive check out Viddler.

Branded Entertainment…

Late,
Gary Pool

New Media, Convergence Culture, Understanding Marketing, YouTube is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Navigating Diverging Analytics Solution Landscape – Aaron Gray – Greater Returns

On the Edge – Diverging Analytics Solution Landscape is the 2nd offering of the Track 3 series.

Aaron is leading with the definition and history of web analytics.

Web analytics is the tools and technologies about the behavior of visitors to your site. IT, in the beginning, controlled the web site and analytics. Hits were the only information available… the web is strategic.

(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)

Digital marketers and managers face an expanding range of choices when deciding on an analytics solution to measure, optimize, and manage online marketing activity. While the historic market leaders are good choices for “enterprise”-level need, a range of niche solutions, which often do it better than the enterprise players, has emerged to address specific needs. In this session we discuss how to navigate the range of solutions and how to determine which solutions are right for you.

Web date is part of something much bigger…
Vendors open APIs…
Meanwhile, out in the garage…
Entrepreneurs and innovators note the complexity…
… Nascar Slide (slide with many logos) …

Picking a solution can be hard
Enterprise Software vs. Specialized
Growing category of software solutions = analytics and marketing marriage.
Woopra has a WordPress Plugin. Just installed it.

Aaron is going through each of the solutions one by one giving us a pros and cons of each.

Analytics should be about performance as related to your business objectives.

How do you find your way and which one do you need?
Why do I measure?
You cant manage what you don’t measure.
Deciding what you measure is the most important part of the solution.
How do you prove the value of what you are doing with the analytics?

Visitor behaviors connected to the business objectives are the most important.
Indicators that reflect the things you can directly or indirectly impact.
This often means defining your business objectives clearly for the first time!
Sometimes you have to go with your gut. (Senior NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs comes to mind. )

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Who is the data for?
• What insight do they need to be effective at their job?
• If I could only have one measure of site performance, what would that be?
• What would my VP or CEO need to know to understand the value the site contributes?

Focus on the Goals -Get out of the Weeds!

Late,
Gary Pool

Navigating Diverging Analytics Solution Landscape – Internet Marketing Conference is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Link Building for Search Engine Rankings – John McPhee, Anvil Media

On the Edge – Link Building for Search Engine Ranking is the first of the Track 3 series.

Kent Schnepp from EngineWorks is introducing John McPhee of Anvil Media.

(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)

Much of your success at getting top rankings for targeted keyword phrases relies on getting good inbound links. Getting inbound links isn’t easy and the techniques have changed since you may have started optimizing your site presence. Learn what makes a good inbound link, how to perform competitor reconnaissance, and create content that will get tons of links!

Content, Code, and Credibility.

• Keep your content tight and link to all scripts and files possible.
• Text links are best you can also use image links.
• Conductor is a site Anvil uses for linking.
• Why are links important?
• Links build trust with the search engines and build credibility with your users.
• Increases traffic.

What makes a Strong Inbound Link?

• Trust and Credibility.
• Inbound link balancing act.
• PageRank-TrustRank

Topical Relevance of Linking Site.

• You will want you links coming from industry specific sites.
• Know what keywords you want to use and where you want to use them.
• Use your anchor text to link to relevant pages.

You Can Find Good .gov, .edu, and .org, as well as .com and .net links:

• Official city/state sites
• Better Business Bureau
• Universities
• Directories
• Industry-specific sites

Building a Link Development Strategy

• Determine Strategy
• Foundation
• Build base
• Build top

Client & Competitor Analysis

• PageRank Distribution
• Percent of No Follow
• Top Level Domain Distribution
• Inbound Link Distribution
• Anchor Text Analysis

Great Tools for Link Analysis

• LinkDiagnosis
• SEO SpyGlass
• Google webmaster tools

Building Links Through Outreach

• Link Baiting
• Blogger Outreach
• Article Spinning
• Partner and Paid Linking

If you wanted the details you should have been here.

Late,
Gary Pool

Link Building for Search Engine Rankings – Internet Marketing Conference is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Is Your Cell Phone Killing You?

Being in business today means that you have a cell phone. How can you do any marketing or networking without being able to communicate with your clients on the fly?

In today’s world lightening fast communication is at the top of the expectations list. We all have our smart phones so we can keep up with our emails, phone calls, twitter, facebook, and the rest of our social media media. It seems that the perception is that if you don’t have a cell phone or even a smartphone today you are not really in business.

Recent studies link cell phone radiation to:

Brain cancer: Two research groups independently analyzed all data from 25 original studies of cell phone users, and identified a 50 to 90 percent increase in risk for two types of brain tumors: glioma and acoustic neuroma (Hardell 2009, Kundi 2009).

Salivary gland tumors: An Israeli study found an increased risk of 50 to 60 percent for salivary gland tumors among people with highest cell phone use (Sadetzki 2008).

Behavioral problems: A study of 13,159 Danish children showed 80 percent elevated risk for emotional and hyperactivity problems among young children who use cell phones and whose mothers also used cell phones during pregnancy (Divan 2008).

Migraines and vertigo: A study of 420,095 Danish adults showed that long-term cell phone users were 10 to 20 percent more likely to be hospitalized for migraines and vertigo than people who took up cell phones more recently. (Schuz 2009).

The Environmental Working Group has put out a pretty informative study on the risks of cell phone technology. The executive summary Cell Phone Radiation Science Review is pretty eye opening.

We at Environmental Working Group are still using our cell phones, but we also believe that until scientists know much more about cell phone radiation, it’s smart for consumers to buy phones with the lowest emissions. The U.S. government ought to require cell phone companies to label their products’ radiation output so that consumers can do the numbers at the point of sale. It doesn’t, so EWG has created this user-friendly interactive online guide to cell phone emissions, covering over 1,000 phones currently on the market.

Here are some high and low rankings according to this study.
“W/kg” stands for watts per kilogram, a measurement for power density.

The 10 smartphones with the highest radiation

1. T-Mobile MyTouch 3G (1.55 W/kg)
2. Blackberry Curve 8330 (1.54 W/kg)
3. Palm Treo 600 (1.53 W/kg)
4. T-Mobile Shadow (1.53 W/kg)
5. Palm Treo 650 (1.51 W/kg)
6. Blackberry Curve 8300 (1.51 W/kg)
7. Blackberry Bold 9000 (1.51 W/kg)
8. Sony Ericsson P910a (1.50 W/kg)
9. HTC SMT 5800 (1.49 W/kg)
10. BlackBerry Pearl 8120/8130 (1.48 W/kg)

It looks as though with 2 out of the top 10 T-Mobile leads the pack with the highest radiation.
As a manufacturer Blackberry holds 40% of the top 10.

The 10 smartphones with lowest radiation

1. Nokia 9300i (0.21 W/kg)
2. Nokia 7710 (0.22 W/kg)
3. T-Mobile MDA Wiza200 (0.28 W/kg)
4. Samsung Impression SGH-a877 (0.35 W/kg)
5. Nokia 9300 (0.44 W/kg)
6. Samsung Propel Pro SGH-i627 (0.47 W/kg)
7. Samsung Gravity SGH-t459 (0.49 W/kg)
8. BlackBerry Storm 9530 (0.57 W/kg)
9. Nokia E90 (0.59 W/kg)
10. Nokia N96 (0.68 W/kg)

At the other end of the spectrum Nokia leads the manufactures with a full 50% of the lowest radiation phones.
An honorable mention to Samsung with a 30% share of the list.

What about the new droid? …
(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)

Bluetooth radiation emissions

Will it help if I use my Bluetooth headset?

According to the findings and recommendations by government agencies and researchers in various countries, the use of Bluetooth headsets with cell phones decreases the overall levels of SAR exposure to the head.

(American Cancer Society 2008; BfS 2005; Martinez-Burdalo 2009; Swiss Federal Office of Public Health 2009a)

Just like the Environmental Working Group, we are still using our cell phones too.

The comprehensive study from the Environmental Working Group is available as a PDF download.

Late,
Gary Pool

Cell Phone Radiation – Will My droid Kill Me? is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Microsoft is NOT Responsible for any of these Christmas email Scams

As Christmas nears so does the resurgence of email scams used in the past. I have Emerged as a winner of $550,000.00 winner this time from Microsoft.

Wow what a great Christmas I will have with an extra “five hundred & fifty thousand United State dollars” to buy presents to put under our Christmas tree. That’s over a half of a million dollars.

Unfortunately there are no sugar plum fairies dancing in my head. Just who do these people in charge of the email scams think we are?

I am the “winner” and the email is addressed to “undisclosed-recipients” give me a break!
(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)

From: micrsoftcorporation@live.co.uk
Subject: You have emerged a winner in the Microsoft yearly giveaway‏
Date: October 15, 2009 8:51:15 PM PDT
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Reply-To: davidn_micro-soft009@live.co.uk

Microsoft Award 2009
| | | | | | | | | | < <<<<<<<<
Reference no: micro209-2
Batch: GB-16DZ65UTYJG

Dear Microsoft User,

This Email is to notify you that you have emerged a winner of the sum of $550,000.00 USD (Five Hundred & Fifty Thousand United State Dollars) in the Microsoft yearly giveaway.
We do this every year to encourage prospective internet/microsoft users world wide.

You are advised to send your Full Names--, Tel-- and Location-- to our Fund Release Officer for claims.

Microsoft Fund Release Department,
Fund Release Officer>> Mr. David Nelson
Tel: + 44 702 408 7535
Email: davidn_micro-soft09@live.co.uk

Congratulation Once Again

For Microsoft Corp,
Eng” Winfred Chabb
© Microsoft Corporation

Doing some internet searches I turned up an answer to the the validity of the email on the Microsoft Answers site by Michael Murphy a Microsoft Partner.

On June 09, 2009 Mick Murphy wrote:

Microsoft does NOT do that.

It is a Scam.

Totally ignore it.

Cheers.
Mick Murphy – Microsoft Partner

While doing a little more research into Mick Murphy I discovered he had been killed in a automobile accident October 21,2009.

In an article from the Gold Coast News dated October 24th:

Surfers mourn crash victim
Andrew MacDonald | October 24th, 2008

THE Burleigh Heads surfing community has lost one of its favourite sons with the death of local identity Mick Murphy.

The Burleigh Heads Boardriders life member and former club president, who was credited with rejuvenating club-level junior surfing in the 1990s, was the driver of a Toyota HiLux that veered off the road and hit a tree in Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley, on Wednesday morning.

Mick Murphy was an avid surfer, he also owned and ran a company specializing in mobile computer repairs for corporations, offices, shops and homes.

Mick has plenty of answers to Microsoft questions posted all over the internet. Even those who have never heard of Mick will eventually miss him.

It is people like this “davidn_micro-soft009@live.co.uk” that give email marketing a bad name. While I do accept the fact that the majority of email marketing is spam it is NOT a scam. It is these facts that make effective email marketing all that more difficult. It may be difficult but not impossible.

Late,
Gary Pool

Christmas Present from Microsoft an email Scam to put under my Christmas Tree is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

FBI Charged 53 in Internet Scam Cybercrime Case Involving the US and Egypt

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had charged 53 defendants involved in a phishing scheme, the largest number ever charged in a cybercrime case. The phishers were operating in both the United States and in Egypt. The Egyptian authorities have charged another 47 defendants. This brings the total charged in this case to 100.

The scheme allegedly involves collecting personal information from thousands of Internet users and using it to defraud US banks. Those involved in the US are all being charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, which carries a 20-year prison sentence, while others face additional charges.
(Post from Search Engine Optimizician.)
This investigation which has been dubbed “Operation Phish Phry,” actually began in 2007. The internet may move fast but law enforcement is slow and methodical.

According to the FBI, the U.S. – Egypt phishing operation collected personal information from thousands of victims and then used that information to defraud U.S. banks.

Hackers based in Egypt allegedly captured banking information and other personal details, and supplied that information to associates in the U.S. who withdrew funds using the stolen credentials and wired a share of the proceeds back to Egypt.

One Hundred Linked to International Computer Hacking Ring Charged by United States and Egypt in Operation Phish Phry

LOS ANGELES—The largest number of defendants ever charged in a cyber crime…

The sophistication with which Phish Phry defendants operated represents an evolving and troubling paradigm in the way identity theft is now committed,” said Keith Bolcar, Acting Assistant Director In Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles. “Criminally savvy groups recruit here and abroad to pool tactics and skills necessary to commit organized theft facilitated by the computer, including hacking, fraud and identity theft, with a common greed and shared willingness to victimize Americans. The FBI is grateful for the assistance of its law enforcement partners in the U.S. and the Egyptian government’s dedicated cooperation, which illustrates that borders cease to exist among countries committed to the rule of law and to the protection of their citizens.

The investigation in the United States was conducted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, supported by the Electronic Crimes Task Force in Los Angeles and the FBI’s Legal Attache in Cairo, Egypt. Several agencies provided considerable assistance to this investigation, including the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles District Attorney, the United States Secret Service, the Culver City Police Department, the El Segundo Police Department, and the United States Social Security Administration. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Water and Power, and local law enforcement departments in various counties assisted…

Each of the U.S. defendants are facing charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, carrying a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison. Some of the defendants could also face additional charges that lead to longer terms.

Late,
Gary Pool

Operation Phish Phry – Chalk One Up for the Real White Hats is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician

Another email Scam: this One Appears to have Originated in the UK but it Reeks of Nigeria

From what I can tell from their email this Mr. John Butler who told the IMF that he was my next of kin and relation and I guess that I died in a car accident four months ago. And I didn’t even know that I was dead let alone that I had died in a car accident.

I feel like George Kerby (Cary Grant) in Topper. I died and didn’t even know it. Maybe the IMF is really talking about Mr. John Buttler and not me.

Using a Currency Converter the IMF has $11,160,720 waiting for me.

OK so the IMF is only going to give me “a part-payment of 7.5M EURO”.

Some of the interesting “hi-lights” of this email are:

• sent from a Yahoo email address
• return address is a gmail address
• it is sent not to me but to the golivemod-owner@yahoogroups.com
• the sent IP address is located in the UK (I got this information from the long header info)
• the english is very lacking
• they request I send them my personal details
• the email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed (golivemod-owner@yahoogroups.com)
• they/he requests “Make sure you reply to my alternative Email address (payned100@gmail.com) for confidential reasons”
• it is from the International Monetary Fund Agency

From: INTERNATIONAL OPERATION DEPT (paynedaniel78@yahoo.com)
Subject:[spam?] RE-OUTSTANDING PAYMENT
Date: October 16, 2009 6:30:56 AM PDT
To: golivemod-owner@yahoogroups.com
Reply-To: payned100@gmail.com

---

RE-OUTSTANDING PAYMENT

This is to inform you of your long overdue Payment outstanding our Banking records. I discover your name from our Central system among list of unpaid inheritance claims individuals and have to update your informations through this email contact for immediate confirmation.

Your name appeared among the beneficiaries who will receive a part-payment of 7.5M EURO (SEVEN MILLI0N, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND EURO) and it has been approved already for payment months ago. However we received an email from one Mr.John Butler who told us that he is your next of kin and relation and that you died in a car accident last four months back.

He has also submitted his account informations to the office department for transfer of the fund to him as your Benefactor. We are now verifying by contacting your email address as we have in our Bank records before we can make the transfer into his account and for us to conclude confirmation if you are dead or not. we also want to avoid any problems that will arise if you should contact us again in future regarding this funds and transfer to you. Please, confirm response immediately before any further action to release the outstanding payment against your name listed out.

Upon this, we request you send your personal details as soon as possible to enable our office finalize the transfer of the fund release, to your nominated foreign Bank Account.Do contact our office with your below details correctly. (payned100@gmail.com)

1. Full Names……….
2. Telephone & Fax Number……….
3. Contact Address……….
4. Age……….
5. Occupation……….
6. Sex……….

NOTE: HOWEVER, WE SHALL PROCEED TO ISSUE ALL PAYMENTS DETAILS TO THE SAID MR JOHN BUTLER, IF WE DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU WITHIN THE NEXT SEVEN WORKING DAYS FROM TODAY. WE ARE SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MIGHT CAUSE YOU.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This E-Mail is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Once again, we apologize to you on behalf of International Monetary fund Agency towards this contact and proper confirmation required urgently from you if alive. Make sure you reply to my alternative Email address (payned100@gmail.com) for confidential reasons

Thanks,
Yours Sincerely
Mr. Daniel Payne
International Monetary Fund Agency
INTERNATIONAL OPERATION DEPT
……………………
payned100@gmail.com

The IMF (International Monetary Fund) even released the following news brief back in 1996.

NEWS BRIEF No. 96/14
November 18, 1996

International Monetary Fund
700 19th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20431 USA

IMF AGAIN WARNS OF FINANCIAL SCHEMES MISUSING ITS NAME

In view of widespread and continuing inquiries from individuals and companies who have been approached by parties in connection with offers of participation in various financial instruments and schemes promising high returns and unauthorizedly using the name of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Treasurer of the IMF today again warned potential investors to beware of such schemes. He had already issued warnings in the past (see News Brief Number 94/5, published February 23, 1994 and News Brief Number 94/11, published May 13, 1994). Today he reiterated that the IMF does not issue or guarantee any obligations called “Prime Bank Notes,” “Prime Bank Guarantees,” “Bill of Exchange,” or “Bill of Equity,” or extend any credit lines through commercial banks or other agencies. Moreover, the IMF does not guarantee debentures or other financial instruments issued by a member country or any other entity. It does not sponsor investment programs, “high-yield financial programs,” or issue to countries or to outside parties an “IMF Number,” “IMF Country Registration Number,” or an “IMF Approval Number for Projects.”

Other examples of bogus instruments often featured in such schemes which unauthorizedly use the name of the IMF are:

• fictitious stand-by letters of credit–falsely portrayed as risk-free and sanctioned by the IMF;
• securities allegedly backed by the IMF; and
• bonds supposedly issued by the IMF.

The IMF is an intergovernmental organization whose financial transactions and operations are carried out directly with its member countries and only through a fiscal agency designated by each member for this purpose (such as the member’s Central Bank or its Ministry of Finance). The IMF does not operate through other agents and it does not endorse the activities of any bank, financial institution, or other public or private agency.

IMF EXTERNAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs: 202-623-7300 – Fax: 202-623-6278
Media Relations: 202-623-7100 – Fax: 202-623-6772

So maybe I’m not going to get a part of the $11,160,720.

Should I send my personal information to them any way?

ME THINKS NOT! (it must be the pirate in me surfacing)

Late,
Gary Pool

I Have Inherited 7,500,000 Euros from Mr John Butler is a post stolen from the Search Engine Optimizician