WHOA Newsletter - December 2, 2008
WHO@ Newsletter
December 2, 2008
I couldn't make this up if I tried. . .Oh, pooh!
Ill. zoo creates ornaments from reindeer droppings
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081128/ap_on_fe_st/odd_reindeer_ornaments;_ylt=AlqwmwWAjzJuFKiaKv3L0mTtiBIF
The Christmas ornaments for sale at the Miller Park Zoo's gift shop are partly manufactured by reindeer. Honest!
Staffers make decorations out of droppings from the zoo's two reindeer, Ealu and Rika. The droppings are dried, then clear-coated and either painted or rolled in glitter.
Zoo marketing director Susie Ohley has named the products "magical reindeer gem ornaments," and each comes with a label of authenticity. They cost $5 at the zoo gift shop.
Staffer Katie Buydos, who makes jewelry as a hobby, donated wire and beads, saying, "Susie asked me to bring some creativity to the table."
Some folks are surprised at the size of the "gems," which are only about as big as marbles. "Reindeer are so big," zoo maintenance worker Sheldon Williams said. But the droppings are "just a big pile of small."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Visit WHOA on the web at http://www.haltabuse.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NEWS TO USE AND PASS ALONG!
(DISCLAIMER: The following news items were found on the web and were not written or endorsed by WHO@; they are for informational purposes only)
As unemployment rises, work-at-home scams flourish - 12/01/08
http://www.sunherald.com/383/story/985297.html
In October, the unemployment rate hit a 14-year high of 6.5 percent. That was bad news for the more than 240,000 people who lost their jobs during that period. But for people who prey on unemployed workers, the high jobless rate is an opportunity to scam vulnerable job seekers out of their money and personal data.
Does the Drew verdict make ToS breakers potential felons? - 12/01/08
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20081201-does-a-cyberbullying-verdict-make-it-a-crime-to-break-tos.html
The guilty verdict against Lori Drew, prosecutors crowed, would send an "overwhelming message" to online bullies. Though she escaped conviction on felony charges, the 49-year-old Missouri mom could still face three years in prison or fines of up to $300,000 for launching an online harassment campaign that ended in the suicide of a teenage neighbor. But the "message," legal observers worry, may be that anyone who uses a Web site without paying close attention to those ubiquitous Terms of Service risks committing a federal crime.
London Hospitals Almost Back Online After Worm Infection - 12/01/08
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20081201/tc_pcworld/londonhospitalsalmostbackonlineafterworminfection
Three London hospitals whose computer systems were infected with a relatively old worm are now almost back online.
'60 Minutes' report: How online gamblers unmasked cheaters - 12/01/08
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/cnet/20081201/tc_cnet/8301102331011004093
In the wild, wild west, when a poker player was caught cheating it was a capital offense, with the punishment quickly dispensed right across the card table. But today if you're caught cheating in the popular and lucrative world of Internet poker, you may get away scot-free.
Spam Increasing Again After Shutdown of Hosting Company - 12/01/08
http://www.dailytech.com/Spam+Increasing+Again+After+Shutdown+of+Hosting+Company+/article13541.htm
Security researchers who warned the shutdown of McColo Corp. would only lower spam levels for a couple of weeks were correct, as one of the largest botnets on the internet, Srizbi, has been resurrected.
Who Needs 'Friends' Like These? - 11/30/08
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/154669/who_needs_friends_like_these.html
Every form of communication, from snail-mail to e-mail, chat and others, is subject to fraud and scams. But social networks like Facebook are subject to new, more dangerous opportunities for fraud.
US Lady Swindled of $400,000 in Nigerian E-mail Scam - 11/30/08
http://www.spamfighter.com/News-11373-US-Lady-Swindled-of-$400000-in-Nigerian-E-mail-Scam.htm
In the biggest incident of its type, an American lady, Janella Spears, disclosed that the Nigerian Internet criminals have defrauded her of $400,000 (£269,000).
Internet fraud flourishing - 11/30/08
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/11/30/news/sandiego/z67f76128168715db8825750b00030856.txt
Holiday shoppers, beware: those Internet bargains that are too good to be true really are too good to be true.
Mark Varnau, head of the Sheriff's Department Fraud Unit, said he's noticed a jump in the number of reports of online fraud.
Authorities: Beware of Internet scammers - 11/30/08
http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=56557c03f19acfbb
They show up in every e-mail inbox promising gift cards, a laptop, alternative medicine or lingerie. Some offer gifts in exchange for a little personal information.
Porn bill for couple who can't download - 11/29/08
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/nov/28/internet-porn-bill-mistake
A Hertfordshire couple in their 60s were horrified to receive a letter last week from a London firm of lawyers accusing them of dowloading a hardcore gay porn movie. It demanded they pay £503 for "copyright infringement" or face a high court action. The 20-page "pre-settlement letter" from lawyers Davenport Lyons, acting on behalf of German pornogaphers, insisted they pay £503 to their clients for the 115 minute film Army Fuckers which features "Gestapo" officers and "Czech" farmers.
Mom: Verdict shows cyberbullies will be punished - 11/29/08
http://www.wsbt.com/news/consumer/35256309.html
The mother of a girl who committed suicide at age 13 after being subjected to an Internet hoax says a woman's conviction in the case shows that people who bully others online will face consequences.
Cop's wife caught after selling fake designer clothes on eBay - 11/27/08
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2008/11/27/cop-s-wife-caught-after-selling-fake-designer-clothes-on-ebay-86908-20928109/
A POLICEMAN'S wife has been caught flogging thousands of pounds worth of fake designer clothes on eBay. Watchdogs who raided Fiona Begg's home found £11,000 worth of dodgy gear. She now faces a possible jail sentence.
Web stalking led to shooting - 11/27/08
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=101687
A 22-year-old man stalked a woman through the Internet before holding her hostage and opening fire on her and police at a San Mateo home Tuesday, according to San Mateo police.
Pa. graffiti suspect nabbed based on MySpace tags - 11/27/08
http://articles.lancasteronline.com/ap/4/pa_grafitti_myspace_clue
A suburban Philadelphia woman suspected of dozens of graffiti tags was identified after she used her MySpace account name in her work, police said.
Online Rumor Websites: How to Fight Internet Abuse - 11/26/08
http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/online-rumor-websites-how-to-fight-internet-abuse/article107239.html
When Vanderbilt University freshman Chelsea Gorman was raped near campus in the spring of 2007, her life was shattered. She told only her close friends about the ordeal and left school for the rest of the semester after she began suffering panic attacks, but by last March she was back in Nashville and putting her life together. Then she got a phone call from a friend. The story of her rape had been posted on the Internet.
Gloucester County officials warn against online loan-consolidation scam - 11/26/08
http://www.nj.com/south/index.ssf/2008/11/gloucester_county_officials_wa.html
County officials warned consumers today to be wary of making loan deals or promises of loan consolidation, known as Advance-Fee Loans, over the Internet.
New internet scam targets babysitters and single moms - 11/26/08
http://www.kwgn.com/pages/news_local_landing/?New-internet-scam-targets-babysitters-an=1&blockID=145503&feedID=202
A CU Boulder student thought she'd find some work as a babysitter to help pay her bills. But instead, she came very close to losing hundreds, potentially even thousands of dollars to an international internet scam artist.
Gift Cards Chain Email Scam - 11/26/08
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/35060709.html
Gift cards are very popular around the holiday, but an issue has popped up.
Some of you may have gotten an anonymous email suggesting that if you buy someone a gift card and the store goes out of business, that card won’t be any good.
IRS_warns of e-mail scam - 11/26/08
http://www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/articles/2008/11/26/news/news8.txt
The Internal Revenue Service is warning taxpayers about the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scammers trying to steal their identity and assets.
Credit Union members identify Internet scam - 11/26/08
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/11/26/news/business/doc492b7777b84d8357541951.txt
Efforts by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union staff to educate its members about Internet scams, or phishing, are paying off, said Laura Ernzen, vice president of marketing for the credit union.
Facebook wins $873m court battle against spammer who bombarded members with explicit messages - 11/25/08
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1089178/Facebook-wins-873m-court-battle-spammer-bombarded-members-explicit-messages.html
Facebook has won a $873million judgment against a Canadian man who bombarded the online service with sexually explicit 'spam' messages. The victory, sealed with a judge's order issued last Friday, probably won't yield a windfall for Facebook Inc., whose revenue this year is expected to range between $250 illion and $300million.
Belgium couple face jail 'for selling their newborn baby online for decent five figure sum' - 11/25/08
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1089364/Belgium-couple-face-jail-selling-newborn-baby-online-decent-figure-sum.html
A couple face ten years in prison after selling their newborn baby on the Internet.
The couple - a man aged 26 and woman aged 24 who already had another child - are currently under investigation by police and social services in the Belgium town of Ghent.
Men guilty over fake penis scam - 11/25/08
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7747833.stm
The makers of a prosthetic penis to help men cheat on drugs tests have pleaded guilty to two charges of conspiracy in a US federal court.
December 2, 2008
I couldn't make this up if I tried. . .Oh, pooh!
Ill. zoo creates ornaments from reindeer droppings
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081128/ap_on_fe_st/odd_reindeer_ornaments;_ylt=AlqwmwWAjzJuFKiaKv3L0mTtiBIF
The Christmas ornaments for sale at the Miller Park Zoo's gift shop are partly manufactured by reindeer. Honest!
Staffers make decorations out of droppings from the zoo's two reindeer, Ealu and Rika. The droppings are dried, then clear-coated and either painted or rolled in glitter.
Zoo marketing director Susie Ohley has named the products "magical reindeer gem ornaments," and each comes with a label of authenticity. They cost $5 at the zoo gift shop.
Staffer Katie Buydos, who makes jewelry as a hobby, donated wire and beads, saying, "Susie asked me to bring some creativity to the table."
Some folks are surprised at the size of the "gems," which are only about as big as marbles. "Reindeer are so big," zoo maintenance worker Sheldon Williams said. But the droppings are "just a big pile of small."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Visit WHOA on the web at http://www.haltabuse.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NEWS TO USE AND PASS ALONG!
(DISCLAIMER: The following news items were found on the web and were not written or endorsed by WHO@; they are for informational purposes only)
As unemployment rises, work-at-home scams flourish - 12/01/08
http://www.sunherald.com/383/story/985297.html
In October, the unemployment rate hit a 14-year high of 6.5 percent. That was bad news for the more than 240,000 people who lost their jobs during that period. But for people who prey on unemployed workers, the high jobless rate is an opportunity to scam vulnerable job seekers out of their money and personal data.
Does the Drew verdict make ToS breakers potential felons? - 12/01/08
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20081201-does-a-cyberbullying-verdict-make-it-a-crime-to-break-tos.html
The guilty verdict against Lori Drew, prosecutors crowed, would send an "overwhelming message" to online bullies. Though she escaped conviction on felony charges, the 49-year-old Missouri mom could still face three years in prison or fines of up to $300,000 for launching an online harassment campaign that ended in the suicide of a teenage neighbor. But the "message," legal observers worry, may be that anyone who uses a Web site without paying close attention to those ubiquitous Terms of Service risks committing a federal crime.
London Hospitals Almost Back Online After Worm Infection - 12/01/08
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20081201/tc_pcworld/londonhospitalsalmostbackonlineafterworminfection
Three London hospitals whose computer systems were infected with a relatively old worm are now almost back online.
'60 Minutes' report: How online gamblers unmasked cheaters - 12/01/08
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/cnet/20081201/tc_cnet/8301102331011004093
In the wild, wild west, when a poker player was caught cheating it was a capital offense, with the punishment quickly dispensed right across the card table. But today if you're caught cheating in the popular and lucrative world of Internet poker, you may get away scot-free.
Spam Increasing Again After Shutdown of Hosting Company - 12/01/08
http://www.dailytech.com/Spam+Increasing+Again+After+Shutdown+of+Hosting+Company+/article13541.htm
Security researchers who warned the shutdown of McColo Corp. would only lower spam levels for a couple of weeks were correct, as one of the largest botnets on the internet, Srizbi, has been resurrected.
Who Needs 'Friends' Like These? - 11/30/08
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/154669/who_needs_friends_like_these.html
Every form of communication, from snail-mail to e-mail, chat and others, is subject to fraud and scams. But social networks like Facebook are subject to new, more dangerous opportunities for fraud.
US Lady Swindled of $400,000 in Nigerian E-mail Scam - 11/30/08
http://www.spamfighter.com/News-11373-US-Lady-Swindled-of-$400000-in-Nigerian-E-mail-Scam.htm
In the biggest incident of its type, an American lady, Janella Spears, disclosed that the Nigerian Internet criminals have defrauded her of $400,000 (£269,000).
Internet fraud flourishing - 11/30/08
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/11/30/news/sandiego/z67f76128168715db8825750b00030856.txt
Holiday shoppers, beware: those Internet bargains that are too good to be true really are too good to be true.
Mark Varnau, head of the Sheriff's Department Fraud Unit, said he's noticed a jump in the number of reports of online fraud.
Authorities: Beware of Internet scammers - 11/30/08
http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=56557c03f19acfbb
They show up in every e-mail inbox promising gift cards, a laptop, alternative medicine or lingerie. Some offer gifts in exchange for a little personal information.
Porn bill for couple who can't download - 11/29/08
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/nov/28/internet-porn-bill-mistake
A Hertfordshire couple in their 60s were horrified to receive a letter last week from a London firm of lawyers accusing them of dowloading a hardcore gay porn movie. It demanded they pay £503 for "copyright infringement" or face a high court action. The 20-page "pre-settlement letter" from lawyers Davenport Lyons, acting on behalf of German pornogaphers, insisted they pay £503 to their clients for the 115 minute film Army Fuckers which features "Gestapo" officers and "Czech" farmers.
Mom: Verdict shows cyberbullies will be punished - 11/29/08
http://www.wsbt.com/news/consumer/35256309.html
The mother of a girl who committed suicide at age 13 after being subjected to an Internet hoax says a woman's conviction in the case shows that people who bully others online will face consequences.
Cop's wife caught after selling fake designer clothes on eBay - 11/27/08
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2008/11/27/cop-s-wife-caught-after-selling-fake-designer-clothes-on-ebay-86908-20928109/
A POLICEMAN'S wife has been caught flogging thousands of pounds worth of fake designer clothes on eBay. Watchdogs who raided Fiona Begg's home found £11,000 worth of dodgy gear. She now faces a possible jail sentence.
Web stalking led to shooting - 11/27/08
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=101687
A 22-year-old man stalked a woman through the Internet before holding her hostage and opening fire on her and police at a San Mateo home Tuesday, according to San Mateo police.
Pa. graffiti suspect nabbed based on MySpace tags - 11/27/08
http://articles.lancasteronline.com/ap/4/pa_grafitti_myspace_clue
A suburban Philadelphia woman suspected of dozens of graffiti tags was identified after she used her MySpace account name in her work, police said.
Online Rumor Websites: How to Fight Internet Abuse - 11/26/08
http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/online-rumor-websites-how-to-fight-internet-abuse/article107239.html
When Vanderbilt University freshman Chelsea Gorman was raped near campus in the spring of 2007, her life was shattered. She told only her close friends about the ordeal and left school for the rest of the semester after she began suffering panic attacks, but by last March she was back in Nashville and putting her life together. Then she got a phone call from a friend. The story of her rape had been posted on the Internet.
Gloucester County officials warn against online loan-consolidation scam - 11/26/08
http://www.nj.com/south/index.ssf/2008/11/gloucester_county_officials_wa.html
County officials warned consumers today to be wary of making loan deals or promises of loan consolidation, known as Advance-Fee Loans, over the Internet.
New internet scam targets babysitters and single moms - 11/26/08
http://www.kwgn.com/pages/news_local_landing/?New-internet-scam-targets-babysitters-an=1&blockID=145503&feedID=202
A CU Boulder student thought she'd find some work as a babysitter to help pay her bills. But instead, she came very close to losing hundreds, potentially even thousands of dollars to an international internet scam artist.
Gift Cards Chain Email Scam - 11/26/08
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/35060709.html
Gift cards are very popular around the holiday, but an issue has popped up.
Some of you may have gotten an anonymous email suggesting that if you buy someone a gift card and the store goes out of business, that card won’t be any good.
IRS_warns of e-mail scam - 11/26/08
http://www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/articles/2008/11/26/news/news8.txt
The Internal Revenue Service is warning taxpayers about the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scammers trying to steal their identity and assets.
Credit Union members identify Internet scam - 11/26/08
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/11/26/news/business/doc492b7777b84d8357541951.txt
Efforts by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union staff to educate its members about Internet scams, or phishing, are paying off, said Laura Ernzen, vice president of marketing for the credit union.
Facebook wins $873m court battle against spammer who bombarded members with explicit messages - 11/25/08
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1089178/Facebook-wins-873m-court-battle-spammer-bombarded-members-explicit-messages.html
Facebook has won a $873million judgment against a Canadian man who bombarded the online service with sexually explicit 'spam' messages. The victory, sealed with a judge's order issued last Friday, probably won't yield a windfall for Facebook Inc., whose revenue this year is expected to range between $250 illion and $300million.
Belgium couple face jail 'for selling their newborn baby online for decent five figure sum' - 11/25/08
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1089364/Belgium-couple-face-jail-selling-newborn-baby-online-decent-figure-sum.html
A couple face ten years in prison after selling their newborn baby on the Internet.
The couple - a man aged 26 and woman aged 24 who already had another child - are currently under investigation by police and social services in the Belgium town of Ghent.
Men guilty over fake penis scam - 11/25/08
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7747833.stm
The makers of a prosthetic penis to help men cheat on drugs tests have pleaded guilty to two charges of conspiracy in a US federal court.
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