Parents are always concerned about the dangers posed by child predators so it is easy to understand that so many people are falling victim to a scam that starts when the parents receive a phony email warning about a child predator now living in their community.  The email appears to be an official notification generated based on the email recipient’s zip code.  The email promises to provide more specific information about the predator threat by clicking on a link provided in the email.  Clicking on the link takes the victim to the website of a company that provides localized reports on child predators.  Unfortunately, clicking on the link also downloads keystroke logging malware that will steal the information from your computer or other electronic device and use it to make you a victim of identity theft.

TIPS

Once again, it is important to remember that you should never click on links in emails or text messages regardless of how legitimate they may appear unless you have absolutely confirmed that the email or message is legitimate.  Regardless of how legitimate it may appear, the chances of downloading dangerous keystroke logging malware that can lead to your becoming a victim of identity theft is just too great.  For free information about sex offenders in your area, you can go to the National Sex Offender Public Website set up by the Department of Justice.  Here is a link to their website: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/registry