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                          Last Updated:May 12th, 2009 07:04:41 AM


CyberAngels Victim Guidelines




Please note that CyberAngels are not "Cyber Police". We can help with a variety of online problems, but in most cases cannot act on your behalf beyond providing information and referring you to appropriate authorities.

Virus, Malware and Spyware Assistance

Anti-Virus software is essential for any computer connected to the Internet. Here are 2 excellent free A/V suites (for non-commercial users):
  1. Avast Home Edition - http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
  2. AVG Free - http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
Links to free tools that help with Malware/Spyware removal: Another useful collection of security testing software can be found at: http://www.grc.com/default.htm. From this site, you can run "Shields Up" and "Leak Test" software to check for computer vulnerabilities to hacking.



Hacked or Stolen Account

If you believe that your account has been hacked or stolen, report the incident to your ISP / Internet Service Provider (AOL, MSN, Excite,Yahoo) by sending an email, describing the problem and containing proof that this account was yours by including your login name, password, security word, etc.

Ask the ISP to immediately cancel your account, then open new accounts under new user names and new passwords. Never use personal information in your user name (like betty1224 or hhoover) use a made up name such as "rarvab" (using the first letters of each word in a phrase you can easily remember like "roses are red violets are blue" = rarvab). Then use a password that is a minimum of six characters in length comprised of letters and numbers, with no words, colors, names, dates or hobbies; for example 3h67DE. Never store your password on your computer, always enter it manually each time you login. You will remember the password that way and it will make it nearly impossible for someone to steal it.

Never enter your password in front of others, or give it to anyone!



Hacked Computer - Possible Keylogger

A Keylogger is a program that records all keystrokes and stores them for later retrieval. The existence of a keylogger is usually kept a secret and is hidden from whomever it is targeting. For example, they may be used by a company, to monitor a suspicious employee. A keylogger could even be installed for backup purposes in case of a system crash. It could be useful to know that you always have a backup of whatever you type. Keyloggers are categorized as a form of spyware, and will most likely store the keystrokes to a file (which may be encrypted) and can be accessed by the attacker, normally by the use of a password. Some keyloggers also capture the screen at regular intervals (screen recorders). Also it's possible for keyloggers to automatically email the captured keystrokes to the attacker so they don't even need physical access to attack the system once it's been installed.

A keylogger is not software a person can run on their own computer to get into yours. You would have to cooperate by downloading or clicking a link that was sent you. Or, they would have to have physical access to your machine. The keylogger must be planted on your machine in order for anyone to log your keystrokes and get your passwords or any text you type.

How to detect a Keylogger:
  1. Check the task list by pressing ctrl+alt+del in Windows. Examine all the tasks running, if you unsure of a task look it up on a search engine.
  2. Use the system configuration utility to determine which tasks are loaded at start-up (type "msconfig" in the run box to start).
  3. Run your antivirus checker, its possible this will pick up the Keylogger on your system.
  4. Scan your hard disk for the most recent files stored. Look at the contents of any files that continually update (these might be logs).
  5. Download a specific keylogger detector program, run it, and see if it catches anything.
  6. Run Spybot Search and Destroy, this program checks for some known keyloggers. (You can find Spybot S&D at www.download.com)
In order to prove your computer was hacked by an individual, consider hiring a computer forensics professional. The following site has listings by state: http://www.computerforensicscompanies.com/statelist.html



To Report Email Scams

E-mail scams should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission. See their website for information at: http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm

We also suggest that you make a report on this to the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. To file a complaint about identity theft, copyright violations, product piracy, credit/debit card fraud, counterfeit goods or materials, international fraud, internet auctions, Ponzi or pyramid schemes or non-delivery of goods or services ordered over the Internet we suggest that you make a report on this to the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. This is a joint venture of the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center and is a legal report to law enforcement of a criminal matter. http://www.ic3.gov/. Full instructions for making this online report can be found on the front page of their website.

Also, go http://www.bbbonline.org/consumer/complaint.asp and file a complaint with them.



To Report and Prevent ID Theft

To report ID theft (stolen credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, drivers license, etc.) contact your local law enforcement agency immediately to file a report. Notify your credit card company of the theft so they can put a stop use on the credit card account. In the case of a debit card notify the issuing bank immediately so that the issuing bank can close the account.

You should also make a report to the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov/ (home page) or https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/widtpubl$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU03 (complaint report). You should follow-up all phone calls with a letter detailing the ID theft within 24 hours to the financial institutions issuing the credit or debit cards.

A report should also be filed with the IFCC at http://www.ic3.gov/.

Some tips to avoid Identity Theft:
  1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED.'
  2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
  3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
  4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, and credit cards.
  5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
  6. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
Here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:
  1. Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  2. Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
  3. Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289
  4. Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
More about ID theft can be found at the Federal Trade Commission's website at http://www.ftc.gov.



Gang Stalking Advice

Gang stalking involves the use of multiple individuals to stalk, harass and taunt a victim, as well as to vandalize personal property. According to victims, this takes place for many years. It appears that once a person is targeted, they are often targeted for life. From the expressions on the faces of some of the perpetrators who come face-to-face with their targets, there is a vicious kind of pleasure that they derive from bullying their victim. They like the feeling of being "in control". Like any form of abusive or controlling behavior, this is an addiction that needs to be fed, so victims can remain targets for their entire lives. If they did not, then the numbers of fresh victims needed to fill the perpetrator's addictions would potentially attract too much attention.

Predatory gang stalkers can pick locks, bypass security alarms, and enter any location posing as utility crews, law enforcement, or delivery men. Practitioners of Predatory Gang stalking may apply for and obtain legitimate jobs in a target's home or business in order to have access to the target and their life, relationships, and assets just to do harm.

Here are some safety tips to utilize if you are a victim of gang stalking:
  • Tell your family, friends and neighbors that you are being stalked. Show them a picture of the stalker and tell them the make, model and license number of the stalker's vehicle(s). Many victims have made up flyers to leave with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. The more people watching, the more people who can warn you about your stalker and, if necessary, testify against the stalker in court. Many times neighbors have spotted stalkers around the victim's home while they're away. If you have a restraining order, leave a copy with your neighbors in the event they call the police during your absence.
  • If you live in an apartment complex, notify the manager immediately. Give the same information as above. In addition, if anyone comes to your complex to inquire about you, request that they get a description and under no circumstance give out any information about you. Have the manger request an ID from the person. Request that they verify with you of any unexpected repairs or deliveries (i.e. cable, TV repair, phone repair, appliances, etc.). Although all managers say that they can't and won't give out any information, many do without realizing it. Stalkers can be very charming, persuasive, and intimidating. Stalkers have impersonated repairman, delivery drivers, and law enforcement officers to gain access to victim's apartments.
  • Change your routine. Don't jog, bike or walk the same route or at the same time each day. Don't shop at the same stores. If possible, have someone join you on your outings. Always remember that a daily routine makes it easy for the stalker to find and observe you. Don't answer the phone unless you know who it is (screen your calls). Let the answering machine pick the call up. If an answering machine is not an option, dial *69 (last call return service) or *57 (call trace). Never return a call if you do not know whom the number belongs to. One of the first things that an officer will advise you to do is, "change your phone number and make sure it's unlisted." Many stalking experts will tell you not to do this. Why? Any phone number listed or unlisted can be accessed, in a relatively short period of time, if a stalker knows how. Many victims reported that when they changed their phone number the stalker became even more enraged. Some of the stalkers appeared at the victim’s home in a desperate attempt to reach the victim.
  • Under no circumstance open your door if you do not know who it is. Secure outside electrical and phone boxes with a lock. Don't make it easy for a stalker to flip circuit breakers or tamper with phone lines.
  • Another question you will often be asked by an officer is, "Do you have a restraining order"? If you don't have one, the officer will normally advise you to obtain one immediately. Although his/her advice is meant well, there are things you must consider before filing for one. Such an order can enrage a stalker. The restraining order is merely a piece of paper that officers can use as a tool and it does not ensure your safety. However, there are two very valid reasons to obtain one. The police are likely to take your calls more seriously and charges can be filed. Don't ever assume that immediate action will be taken. If you have made the decision to obtain a restraining order, be more cautious than ever after it is served on your stalker. He/she may retaliate.

    If you have obtained an Order Of Protection or an Injunction Against Harassment keep a copy of it with you at all times along with verification that the order has been served. In addition, give a copy to your friends, family, neighbors, employers and even co-workers.
  • Make sure all your keys are accounted for. If they aren't, change your locks. Install deadbolt locks. Make sure you have adequate lighting outside your home or apartment. Keep your doors locked at all times and make sure your windows are secure. Many police departments offer safety checks for your home. Contact your local police department for further information.
  • If you have a garage, utilize it for your automobile(s). Keep in mind that a very common trait of a stalker is to slash tires. If you live in an apartment complex, speak with the manager to arrange for you to park your car in a well-lighted area or a more secure place where your car can be observed by you or another person in the complex. Before you exit your car, make sure no one has slipped into your garage while you were parking your car. If you have a door leading into your house from the garage, make sure it is kept locked. When leaving or arriving at your home, always check for unfamiliar cars or persons. If you have a "gut feeling" that something isn't right, don't second guess the feeling.
  • Contact all of your utility companies and have all of your accounts coded with a password.
  • Do not throw anything in your trashcan that contains any information with your name, address or phone number. This should include bills, junk mail and personal mail. It's very easy for a stalker to go through your trashcans and obtain all the information he/she needs, not only on you but the businesses and/or people you correspond with. Obtain a paper shredder if possible or dispose of the mail somewhere other than your home or office trash.
  • Keep your cell phone with you at all times and make sure you have it programmed for 911. Always be aware of your surroundings and have those car keys in your hand.
  • Inform your employer immediately that you're being stalked and alert building security. Many victims fail to do this out of embarrassment and fear of losing their jobs. It's extremely important to notify your company not only for your safety but the safety of co-workers. If your receptionist or security officer is not notified, the stalker could very easily walk right in. If your stalker has threatened any co-worker in person or on the phone, have them file a police report immediately. Change your schedule if possible. Starting work as little as thirty minutes earlier or later can help. However, avoid a "set routine". Speak with your supervisor. Many companies now offer flextime. Above all, keep an open line of communication with your manager and co-workers. Make sure management has a copy of your Order of Protection or Injunction Against Harassment and verification that the order was served.




To Stop Spam and Avoid Dangerous Emails

Spam is the flooding of the e-mail inbox with many e-mails of the same message, in an attempt to force the message on the receivers who would not otherwise choose to receive it. SPAM, like junk snail mail is a nuisance. If you receive unwanted advertising from a reputable receiver, one that you recognize the name of, use the "remove" link at the bottom of the email to have your email address removed from their mailing list. Web sites that are less reputable or have privacy policies that are less strict may sell your email address to spammers. Those who send spam typically have purchased a list of email addresses from these web sites. They send messages from numerous different and often falsified email addresses to all areas of the Web, which makes them hard to track. If you DO NOT recognize the name of the receiver, DO NOT REPLY to the email, a response from you tells these people that your email address is a good one. They then sell the compiled list of good email addresses to other companies JUST DELETE THE E-MAIL. You can block the sender, but they change addresses so often that you will likely receive more of the same.

You can also forward the email, along with the complete header (the information that tells who actually sent the email) to abuse@ yourISP. com. Ask them to block this sender. You can also send a note to their ISP abuse@ theirISP .com and include copies of the email and header and request that their service be terminated for violation of TOS (terms of service) agreement. The header information can be found by right clicking the email in your inbox, selecting properties and then details. The "details" is the header information.

To get some measure of protection against instant message spam, follow these guidelines:
  1. Make sure your ISP provides a spam blocking service;
  2. Never open attachments to an instant message from people you don’t know (or even from people you do);
  3. Try to install spam filer or spam blocker;
  4. Avoid using your e-mail address in web pages where it may be harvested;
  5. Use a throwaway hotmail address for use with fill in forms where the address may be abused;
  6. If you have Yahoo account, check the following link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Anti-spam/;
  7. If you have a Hot mail account, check the following link: http://email.about.com/cs/hotmailantispam
If you wish to pursue this matter in more depth you can visit: http://www.spamcops.org and learn how to trace the sender’s email and how to register complaints with all of the ISPs involved with transmitting this SPAM to you.

Another good website to visit and register complaints about is spamcop.net. We also suggest that you make a report on this to the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. This is a joint venture of the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center and is a legal report to law enforcement of a criminal matter. http://www.nw3c.org/ Full instructions for making this online report can be found on their website.



Online Stalking

Make it clear to your harasser (or stalker) that you want them to stop. You should send them an email once and ONLY ONCE telling them to stop contacting you. You do not ever want to hear from them again and to leave you alone. Save a copy of this message and print it out. This message will be needed for evidence should the case end up in court.

If your harasser (or stalker) does contact you again, do not respond, no matter what they say. Most times harassment will cease if you just ignore it. Harassers want attention, if they aren’t given the attention, they will usually move on. But, you should keep every message sent to you by the harasser (or stalker), as this is your proof should the case end up in a court of law. A response from you lets the harasser know he is being successful and usually you will see an increase in the harassment. This is a power trip for them, when you empower yourself by not responding you take that power away. You are now in control!

The people you know in common should also ignore the harasser (or stalker). They should not respond to any inquires about you or statements made about you. A response from them is like a response from you and it gives the harasser back the power to control the situation.

Responding to the harasser is likely to cause the situation to continue. Any response you make is likely to inflame the situation and cause it to continue, maybe even escalate. You must completely ignore this person no matter what they say about you or your friends.

To stop online harassment (or stalking) we recommend that you completely change your online identity. Do not give out your new information to anyone except very trusted friends. And tell them not to give it to anyone else. This includes email accounts, ICQ, AIM, MSM, YIM, IRC nicknames and any forums (message boards) or social networking sites that you use. Do not use personal information in your profiles that would enable someone to identify you - like real name, address, city, state, sex, age, job, school, and so on. Also, do not use identifying information in your nicknames like "betty24" or "iowacutie". After you fill out the profile check to be certain that your profile preferences are set to "hide" your public profile. Use passwords that are a minimum of 6 characters in length and comprised of letters and numbers, like 3ch27z. Never save passwords on your computer, always enter them manually each time you logon. Be sure to go to your profile options and remove and/or change any "real" information. Never display any "real" information about yourself.

If the possibility for offline harassment (or stalking) exists in your situation, or in the event that this stalker has enough personal information about you to find you offline, you should immediately report this situation to your local law enforcement agency and furnish them with copies of all emails, messages and/or chat room logs concerning this situation. They will require messages you sent to your harasser as well as the ones they sent to you.

If your local police department continues refuses to pursue an online/offline stalking matter, you may wish to contact your local District Attorney's or Prosecutor's Office for help. If you still cannot get relief contact your State Attorney General's Office or a private attorney. Sometimes it requires numerous complaints to get the police to do something to help you.



Child Pornography Reporting

After extensive talks with law enforcement, CyberAngels has had to seriously revamp its method of investigating CP (on advice of legal professionals). Therefore we can no longer investigate claims of Child Pornography, but can only advise the victim of the proper method to report such cases. Below is advice given to this organization from the CEOP, on how to best handle CP complaints. Note: This advice is intended to protect YOU as well.

As quoted directly from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Center:
We are concerned over what potentially could be viewed as vigilante action.

Whilst we appreciate your desire to help combat this area of criminality and that your intentions may be sincere, such action undertaken by you may compromise the ability of law enforcement to act upon the information. Law enforcement officers undertake such activity across many countries and work together to ensure they do so with clear authority and oversight from senior officers. Such officers are highly trained to ensure the integrity of any potential evidence that they may collect. They also work within a clear boundary not to entrap individuals into committing offences and to ensure suspects are identified before any legal action is taken. Such work is undertaken in a controlled and precise manner and any attempt by you may bring risk to potential prosecutions.

We ask that any information you come across in your normal use of the Internet is passed to the correct bodies. However, we strongly advise against a targeted approach to identify those who you perceive may be perpetrators. Otherwise, this could profoundly undermine potential prosecutions, which in turn brings a real risk of harm to children. There are also risks that you may wrongly identify individuals or that you place yourself at risk. You may also be driving individuals further underground that we or other Law Enforcement are gathering evidence on which ruins any chance of catching and prosecuting them. Any actions on your part may sabotage extensive undercover work by trained investigators in many countries.

I advise that as soon as you are alerted to any potentially illegal behavior, you immediately report abuse via the Virtual Global Taskforce website, www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com, which is an alliance of international law enforcement agencies who work together to fight child abuse online. UK related child exploitation on line is reportable to CEOP although we may also take action against those who purposefully and deliberately search out illegal activity and images on the Internet as this can be a criminal offence.

It is also advised that you do not get involved in any communication with alleged offenders. In doing so, this will hinder future investigations and in calling potential offenders to account.




Quick Links

To report email and other abuses by AOL members: http://postmaster.aol.com/guidelines/junk.html

To report email scams and other Internet fraud complaints to the Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm and http://www.ic3.gov/

To report Hotmail Spam: Forward a complete copy of the message, including the full message headers to abuse@hotmail.com

To report MySpace abuse: Visit the following link to see their recommend course of action: http://www.myspace.com/Modules/Help/Pages/HelpCenter.aspx?Category=3&Question=6

Parental Control Software: To locate a program that meets your needs you can go to: http://kids.getnetwise.org/tools/

To contact Yahoo! for account security problems go to: http://add.yahoo.com/fast/help/us/security/cgi_feedback

For help with other Yahoo! And Yahoo Groups Issues, go here: http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/groups-38.html

To report Yahoo! Email abuse go directly to their form: http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/mail/original/abuse.html