Benjamins Yarn

Sure gold is “where you find it”. Anyone even thinking about taking up prospecting has heard that one. It’s probably the most frustrating answer any beginning prospector ever hears when asking where to look for gold. Where the heck exactly is “where you find it” located and why do people keep telling you that?

While that answer is a bit frustrating for the beginner there is a lot of truth in it. Gold can turn up in some pretty unusual places. Sometimes it has been sprinkled through areas by ancient glaciers or waterways. There are stories of people finding gold and thinking they had found a place to stake a claim, to discover later that they had only found the remnants of some unfortunate prospector’s lost cache. Trains and carts being wrecked while hauling gold to smelters have spilled loads of ore which might be found later in the streams downhill.

While you might run into bits of gold scattered by such events, you might also appreciate a word of where you might be more statistically inclined to make an actual strike of some good concentrations of “color”. It’s really not as mysterious as it has been made to sound.

When you get to a gold bearing region you must choose a spot to hunt. Your main concern is that you are not hunting on someone else’s property or claim. There are places you can still be shot for this, and some places where the claim owners take this right very seriously, so always make sure you know you are not “claim jumping” before you dig in.

The best place for the beginner to start is where you know that there are mines or claims uphill and upstream from your chosen location. Gold will wash downhill into a stream over time. If you can find a spot where a stream flowing downhill from known gold localities converges with the stream you are going to hunt, this is a terrific place to start.

Gold is heavy. It can be carried by a rapid current, but when the current slows down, the gold will drop to the creek bed. Start by hunting down stream from a converging creek or area of color uphill from you. Look for spots in the creek where fast moving water is impeded or slows down. The base of a small waterfall is always worth checking as are areas where the current is diverted by large rocks. Bends of the creek where water rushes in the middle but slows along the shore of the bend are another good area. Don’t be afraid to be creative. I know a man that swept a year’s living expense worth of gold from an old corrugated pipe that ran under a road where a creek passed through. The grooves of the pipe had served as a sluice to catch the grains and nuggets.

When panning, you will want to dig a bit rather than just scoop from the top dirt. You might find some traces of color just scooping the top of the creek bed, but because of its weight, gold will work it’s way down until it eventually hits something that prevents it from going any further. The smaller the grain or the more recently it has been dropped, the closer to the surface you might find it. The deeper you dig, the more you will find if you are searching a good area. Cracks and crevices in rock are also a great place to find grains of gold, but you may need special suction equipment to get it out. There are items you can buy very inexpensively that will help you do that.

Just as there are the right places to look for gold, there are also the right times of year. You will want to wait until late summer or early autumn which is when the streams are at their lowest and slowest. A good plan is to go look the creek over during it’s high season and take notes of the currents when the water is high. Returning later during the low season, you will already have an idea of good places to look for gold that has been spilled by the full spring currents.

Through practice you will soon become able to size up good spots on a creek to pan. When you take your cache and proudly show it off, if someone asks you where you got it, you can just smile and say “it was right where I found it”.

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Landscaping to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Landscaping experts.

When we were searching for a method of re-creating a national pastime favorite, the fun of caves and artificial rocks, we resorted to experimenting with our own concoctions and landed with a process that is fun, easy, and surprisingly durable, with the best part being economical. CaveRock has been met with incredible appeal and in the short time we’ve offered it, the customer response has been overwhelming.

CaveRock is the closest thing to a real stone structure you can create on such a large scale. There are many spin off uses for this unique construction process.

If you’ve enjoyed the uncanny effects of seeing artificial rocks at miniature golf courses, hotel swimming pool areas, theme-parks and many other applications of fake rocks, then CaveRock is the first in providing this unique effect in residential uses.

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there’s more to Landscaping than you may have first thought.

We invite you to visit us today and get your copy of our unique plans and have them available when you’re ready to apply our process. We’ve made the plans so affordable that literally anyone can afford to re-create rocks at their leisure. Make your backyard or garden area the talk of the neighborhood.

We are located in Tennessee, one of our inspirations was the magnificent display of commercial rocks and boulders in the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. If you have the opportunity to visit Middle Tennessee, be sure to visit the 5 star Opryland Hotel. Their conservatory is second to none.

CaveRock Design provides the plans, you provide the materials and the family manpower to erect a one-of-a-kind artificial rock structure.

Wealthsmith.com/CAVERO CK.htm

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on Landscaping. Compare what you’ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of Landscaping.

Juggling between a husband/wife, kids, the cat & dog and a full-time job can be overwhelming. Throw in a family camping trip and you’re really in deep, especially if you need to buy camping gear and equipment. Why not take the stress out of shopping and buy your gear and equipment over the Internet. You’ll even have your camping products delivered right to your door.

You will find that there are much cheaper discounts and sales on all types of camping supplies online as merchants have no overhead retail costs as well as no middle man to pay. What does all this mean? Well, savings to the consumer of course! Get everything you need for an enjoyable camping adventure and be well prepared for any obstacles that may come your way.

There are many camping outlets with the best gear and affordable camping equipment available to buy, so you’ll be happy to see that everything is right at your fingertips. Even though your outdoor camping gear and backpacking equipment will be the foundation of your adventure that doesn’t mean you have to pay high prices. Buying brand new gear for camping can get expensive, so what not opt for used and rented equipment as an option as well.

A good idea to get organized is to make a camping checklist first and foremost, to prepare you before you begin discount shopping for your outdoor trip. Make a list of categories like cooking/meals, sleeping/housing, clothing/personal and camp tools. The camping items you should highlight on your list include essentials like backpacks, camping tents, sleeping bags, camping furniture and other camping stuff you feel is of top importance.

L. Dente is a successful author and publisher of http://www.discount-camping-gear.org. Get information on camping gear, cheap equpment and discount supplies like backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, camping furniture, cookware and other camping stuff.

Spring:

Essential items when preparing for a walk

-Compass

-First aid kit - including an elastic bandage, gauze pads, antiseptic cream and antihistamine tablets.

Mobile Phones - Always tell at least one person where you will be walking and the estimated time you will be out. Mobile phone coverage can be unreliable in the mountains.

Water and Energy Food - Even though temperatures may be low it is better to carry plenty of water and juice. Food for energy is important not only to keep your stomach happy but also your mind. If your brain is lacking in essential sugars you cannot make correct decisions for your safety. Healthy foods such as nuts, fruit, muesli bars, (some chocolate) and sandwiches are a better type of food to take walking.

Footwear and Clothing - Wearing comfortable walking shoes or boots is important, especially when tackling difficult terrain. They are designed for comfort and safety and if looked after will last for many years. In spring you may start off walking in good weather conditions, but a gain in altitude of a few hundred meters and it will be a different story. Normally a medium weight sweater and a light wind/rain proof jacket should be sufficient.

Maps - Ordinance survey maps in Spain are not updated on a regular basis. Dirt tracks and trails that are marked on the maps may not have been maintained. Often the route is over-grown, ploughed up, or sometimes a fence has been erected across it.
I would recommend that you don’t rely on just one track or trail for your route, look for options before you set out on your walk, as dead-ends can be really frustrating. Some tracks and goat trails may not be marked on the maps.
You can find a map shop in most major cities.

Summer

It is a good idea to start a walk in early morning or evening.
Try to finish a morning walk by 12:00 at the latest.

Clothing and footwear - Shorts or lightweight trousers (to avoid scratches on your legs) and a t-Shirt or shirt with collar keeps you cool and the sun off your neck. A hat is important, even though it may be hot it’s better than getting heat stroke. You may be tempted to use open footwear, however proper boots or shoes offer more support and comfort. Please forgive me if I state the obvious.

Skin Protection - High factor sun block is recommended. When you are out walking for several hours a slight burn on the shoulders, arms or behind the knees can rub on your clothing. Always carry extra sun block to top up after a while as sweat will wear it off.

Water - Take as much as you and your group can carry, especially if you are not sure how long you will be out walking. Take regular sips of water rather than drinking a lot every half hour. Take advantage of any natural springs to cool off your head and arms only drinking it if there is a notice clearly stating it is safe to drink.

Winter

At this time of year dressing in layers is better than wearing one thick sweater or fleece. Carry a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Take a spare pair of socks, a woolly hat, scarf & gloves. It is best to treat your walking shoes or boots with a waterproofing agent the day before a walk.

Water - Carry about two litres of water per person, you may not feel thirsty while you are walking but dehydration still occurs in cold, dry conditions. Past a certain point it is difficult to re-hydrate your body.

Dealing with dogs

While walking in the campo you will more than likely pass by a farm or two. Some people can be put off by the idea of a dog lurking behind a barn waiting to pounce on the “happy wanderer”. If you approach a farm expecting to meet a dog it tends to take the shock out of the “bark”. A lot of bigger dogs will be tied up, if not you must be confident and stand your ground. If the dog starts to advance stamp your foot and shout “FUERA”, which means away or get out. Repeating this as you walk past their territory usually works quite well, if you still feel a bit un-nerved pretend to pick up a small rock while shouting “FUERA”. If you are still not sure about passing through the dog’s territory, find another way around the farm. Always walk away with confidence never RUN. I have found more often than not that if you show no fear and use an aggressive tone in your voice they will walk away.

In short, whatever time of year you walk in the campo/mountains ;

Wear the correct clothing and footwear

Always carry plenty of water

Make sure at least one person knows where you are walking

Carry first-aid kit and know some basic first - aid techniques.

Have a great time exploring Spain’s Countryside!!

Steve Murray lives in Spain and runs an number a Adventure Sports Company Abdal Adventures

Emerald Green Arborvitae are easy to grow in Doylestown Pa. This article will help you understand this landscape plant.

Arborvitae have masses of small fiberous roots which allows them to transplant at most times of the year. The Emerald Green has the best year round color, but is narrow in form. In real dry years this plant does not survive as well as the more open arbs such as the American, Techny, Nigra, and Elegantissma. This variety, because its foliage is more dense than other varieties, is less tolerant than more open cultivars. In an urban area with deer problems, this variety will be consumed before the next season. We have in stock and ready to pickup these arbs from seedlings (6-10″) to 6-8′ trees. Emerald Green arbs are easy to plant but afew tips will help your success. When planting, remember that the symptoms of overwatering are identical to underwatering. More trees, shrubs, and houseplants are killed from overwatering than all other problems combined. Water thoroughly upon planting then water thereafter as needed depending on soil and environmental conditions. At no time should the planting zone be kept soggy. Feel the soil with your finger to test it. It should be moist not spongy wet. The plant should be dried to the point of dampness to the touch before a complete re watering. This regime should be carried out at least through the first few months. Soil moisture should be monitored closely for the next two years with corrective action taken as needed. Fertilizer spikes should never be used. You can tell when the arbs are happy with their new location by looking at the interface of the root ball and the new location. New fiberous roots should appear within weeks of planting. You can get more information on This and other plants at the following web sites http://www.seedlingsrus.com http://www.zone5treees.com and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

For the dedicated water sport enthusiast there can be no greater challenge than embarking on a whitewater rafting trip. The abundance of whitewater rafting trip courses available worldwide offer enjoyment and challenges for both the novice and the more experienced adventurer.

A whitewater rafting trip is one of the most adrenaline filled extreme sports available to modern thrill seekers or all who love rafting trips. It’s always wise to remember that a whitewater rafting trip or indeed any extreme sport could be dangerous when proper safety precautions are not adhered to. Before deciding to partake in a whitewater rafting trip, it’s advisable to obtain proper training.

Internationally accepted grading systems, usually rating a river on a scale of I to VI, enable whitewater rafting trip enthusiasts to easily choose a river to suit their personal level of technical ability and competence. This makes it possible for any whitewater rafting trip to provide the challenge you are personally able to manage while enjoying the rafting trip to the full extent.

From the novice toying with the idea of a whitewater rafting trip to the more experienced competition level enthusiast the United States and Canada offer a vast number of rivers where whitewater rafting trip sportsmen can test every level of skill. The rivers used for many whitewater rafting trip adventures are generally of a lower volume and require a different set of skills than their whitewater rafting trip western counterparts.

A scenic and profound experience like the Grand Canyon can be enjoyed on a whitewater rafting trip without having to worry about extreme conditions due to the higher water level requiring a different level of expertise. Technically demanding rivers allow the more experienced whitewater rafting trip enthusiast to push for personal improvement in skills like river reading and precision maneuvering.

Whitewater rafting trip rivers located in certain areas of the United States are considered to be ‘technical’ and their lower water volume requires a higher river reading skill level than usual for rafting trips. Often the whitewater rafting trip sportsman must maneuver through potentially dangerous boulder filled areas and narrow channels and his experience of rafting trips will determine his course of action.

The whitewater rafting trip adventure in the western United States requires different skills to meet its challenges, as the large water volumes create an entirely different scene. Not only must the whitewater rafting trip enthusiast face frequent logjams and big rapids, but also steeper descents and unpredictable weather conditions. This ensures that any whitewater rafting trip in these areas is full of excitement and the skills needed vary from river to river.

A relatively young river full of power and challenge offers an opportunity to test both physical and mental boundaries while enjoying the complete whitewater rafting trip challenge. Bound up in a whitewater rafting trip is the opportunity to experience nature’s strength while simultaneously developing knowledge and understanding of the natural world and I am certain that all who thrive on rafting trips will agree.

Modern kayaks are manufactured in a variety of different designs and are chosen according to the specific requirements of the kayak travel enthusiast. Whitewater kayak travel enthusiasts have their own special craft design, which is tough enough to withstand the pressures of a whitewater racing kayak trip.

Any kayak travel undertaken on the open seas is best done is a special sea kayak that has been designed for this specific type of kayak trip. The length of kayaks used in kayak travel today also varies greatly. Depending on your kayak travel needs, vessels are available in sizes ranging from about 6 ft and seating one passenger, to vessels that reach 12 ft in length and have space for several adventurers.

Kayak travel classes are freely available and offer courses and kayak trips where lake and sea are explored in a group setting. Experienced kayak travel teachers can guide newcomers to the kayak trip adventure and this makes for a relaxed yet revitalizing experience easily enjoyed by the young and not so young.

Copyright 2005 Southern Kayaks

White Water Rafting

Even though a lot of people have fond memories of campfires from their youth and they enjoy camping not many people know how to give their children those same fond memories from their camping trips.

Having a fun campfire, having something that will leave a very positive mark in the memory of a youth is actually pretty easy but it is something you have to practice a little and plan for a little.

Can you leave that positive memory without planning it and without a little prep work and practice? Yes you can but it’s an iffy proposition at best.

See it’s like this: if you want to make a lasting impression, if you want to have your kids look back at (at least part) of their childhood and have it put a smile on their face then it takes work. Believe it or not but implanting those memories of warm and happy campfire experiences is just like any other part of raising a childe in my opinion. What that means is it takes a little work and a whole lot of love.

So let’s get into the list of what to do and how to plan a “spontanaeous” campfire:

1. Dusk - The time of the evening you do it at is very key to a successful campfire. Having a campfire in the middle of a sunny afternoon just doesn’t have the same impact that having one as it is getting dark does.

2. S’Mores - I say s’mores but it doesn’t have to be that treat, you just need to have some sort of snack that the kids really like and that they don’t get very often. This makes the campfire something special. With my kids the only time they have s’mores is when we are at a campfire. Another “bonus” to having the s’mores is that they get to play with the fire. Boys especially, are really, really attracted to the fire and if you give them an opportunity to play in it then they will remember it. Do use some safety precautions and make sure to have at least one parent who just keeps an eye on the kids around the fire and the marshmallows themselves.

3. Best Part - This is something that a friend of mine came up with. Once you have eaten some sort of treat you all get your camping chairs and sit around the fire. You then ask everybody in your group something like: what was your most favorite part of the whole day? And you go around the campfire until each person has had a chance to talk about what the most fun part of the day was for them.

4. Wish List - This is basically the same things as the Best Part but you ask them what one thing they really want to do tomorrow? If you are leaving the campground and heading home really early in the morning the next day then you probably shouldn’t ask this question. But if you get the chance, you will be amazed at some of the answers the kids will give.

5. Songs - A lot of people kind of scoff at this one but most kids really love this part of a campfire once you start doing it. You will be amazed at the variety of songs that the kids all seem to know. What we usually do is go around the campfire at least once if not twice and let the kids one at a time choose the song they want to sing and let them lead into the song and then everybody else joins in. My 9 year old son still requests “Itsy Bitsy Spider” every single time we go camping.

6. Scary Story - This item depends on the age and mentality of the children that are with you. If you have little ones or if you have kids that get scared really easily then you should skip this item. If your kids are older or they can handle it, go around the campfire and let each child that wants to tell a scary story. We don’t usually have any of the parents tell stories because the kids do a better job of it themselves.

7. Add a Story - This one you can do regardless of the age of the children, you just tailor the storyline to the age of the children present. One adult will start the story and kind of get it going and then you just go around the campfire one at a time adding a sentence or two onto the story. You can go around the campfire a couple of times and then if it starts getting really out of hand you start another story and reverse the direction of the story. If you have an adult in the group who is pretty sharp you can ask them ahead of time to keep track of the story as it develops and then recap it at the end. You would be amazed at how interesting the story gets when one person retells it beginning to end.

8. Thankful For - Ask the kids to tell everybody what they are thankful for in their lives. It could be something on the trip or it could be something else in their lives. Always start this off by asking an adult first especially if you have little ones in the group. You kind of have to show them by example. If you start doing this on a fairly regular basis and the kids get comfortable talking about this stuff in front of other kids and adults you will be shocked (in a good way) at the very interesting answers you will start to get.

9. Dreams - Ask the kids to tell the group their biggest Dream in life. I don’t mean the dream they had last night while they were sleeping. I mean like what do they want to do when they grow up, where do they want to live and what kind of life they want. That kind of Dream. Little ones (under 4 or 5) might be a little young to understand and/or have an answer to this question but once they get to be a little older then that you can bet that they have started to think about that. My 7 year old has already had three different careers in his life!

10. TAPS - We always end the campfire and the day (for the kids at least) by singing the words to Taps. You can very easily find them on the web if you don’t know them. The words are absolutely beautiful and the melody is so calming and serene it is the perfect ending to a very memorable and fun campfire.

I hope this list and the explanations were helpful to you. Some of my fondest memories of growing up and of spending time with my kids center around a campfire. If you take the time to do a little bit of prep work thinking about how to get this together you will not regret it and your kids will thank you for it down the road.

Avid bird watching enthusiasts often look like pack mules hiking to a gold rush in the west. Bird watching binoculars are one of the critical pieces of equipment they carry.

Binoculars

There are a lot of issues when it comes to choosing binoculars for bird watching. Optics and personal preference seem to be the foremost, but here is a list of issues you should consider.

Bashability

Bashability isn’t really a word in the English language, but it certainly applies to bird watching. The bashability of binoculars refers to how tough they are. For instance, if you drop them on the driveway while loading the car, will they hold up? What if you drop them off a small cliff? I, err…”a friend” once did this on the cliffs above Torrey Pines beach in San Diego. More than a few people have been surprised to learn that binoculars go out of whack when bashed. Now, I realize you would never drop them or subject them to anything but the finest treatment, but just check them for me.

Costs

I like wine. I drink wine. Unless I am standing at the cash register, I can’t really tell the difference between a $10 bottle of wine and one selling for $100. Bird watching binoculars seem to run along the same lines.

You can buy bird watching binoculars for as much as $1,000. Heck, Victoria’s Secret or Neiman Marcus probably have diamond encrusted ones for $100,000. Do you need to spend this money? No. My personal experience has revealed binoculars in the $200 to $400 range perform well and I’ve never missed a sighting because of their quality.

Obviously, you can spend whatever you wish, but keep in mind you don’t have to go overboard. Plus, binoculars without diamonds tend to still be on the beach once you make it down from the cliff.

Feel

This may sound obvious, but you need to buy binoculars that are comfortable. Ideally, you are going to lug these babies around for 10 or 20 years. Make sure they “fit” your face and spacing of your eyes. Also, make sure they don’t weigh too much. After a few hours of birding, this can become an issue.

If you’re going to be a birder, you’re going to need binoculars. Like wine, you can go overboard on them, but don’t need to.

One of the prime axioms in life is just when you think it couldn’t happen to you, it does. This is a sad fact, and even more so when you consider the crime of identity theft. You take years to establish your financial and individual identity and reputation, and in one moment the illegal act of another washes it all away wreaking havoc on your financial life. The reasons for identity theft are as varied as the circumstances of the unsuspecting victims. There are ways to protect yourself. Being diligent and using common sense can go a long way in preventing this troublesome event from happening in your life. Following are some steps to consider.

1. Protecting your information

Keep your social security card separate from your other identification, leaving it at home if at all possible. Have a sheet with all of your credit card numbers and companies listed and in a safe place, so in the event of theft you can call quickly to cancel the accounts.

2. Limit preprinted check information

Checks are another potential bonanza for an identity thief. Even though it may make checking out a little harder, only put your basic information (name, address, maybe a phone number) on your checks. This will prevent an ID thief from getting your drivers license or social security number off a check left lying around.

3. Properly dispose of sensitive information after it no longer is needed.

The identity thief is not above digging in a dumpster for information that can get them something on someone else’s tab. Credit card and banking statements, applications for credit cards, phone bills and utility bills all need to be shredded to prevent anyone from getting your information. Checkbooks need to be treated the same to get rid of your account numbers on them.
4. Share sensitive information with care

Giving information out over the phone is sometimes required for security purposes, and some companies that call you might ask you to verify personal information to make sure that they are speaking to the right person. If you are unsure of the caller’s identity, erring on the side of caution is advised. This can prevent inadvertent sharing of sensitive information with someone that has misrepresented their intentions or identity. Ask for a call back number and check it out if you have any doubts at all.

5. Avoid easily decipherable passwords

When choosing a password for your sensitive accounts try to avoid any word and or number combinations that can be easily discovered. Some examples include your mother’s maiden name, your house number or birth date. If possible, place security questions, to which only you know the answers on your account.

These steps provide a good first line of defense against identity theft but, unfortunately, they do not provide a guarantee. If you follow steps and still become a victim of identity theft, take action fast.

Important actions if you are the victim of identity theft

The first step is to report it to the authorities. Most companies have to have a police report or case number before they can work with you to undo the damage. With the report or number in hand, you will need to call all of your credit card issuers and advise them of what has happened so they can flag your account with a fraud investigation flag. Utilities and phone companies must be notified as well.

Be mindful that there are three credit reporting agencies that collect and compile information about your credit history and habits. You will need to inform at least one of them so that a fraud alert can be placed on your file. Once the alert is placed the first agency will inform the other two bureaus to place alerts as well. You can choose an initial if you merely suspect identity theft and adopt a wait and watch approach or an extended alert if you are certain that you have been a victim of this crime.

You will also need to get a copy of your credit report and review its accuracy. Give particular attention to recent activity that does not seem familiar. Write and or call all of the companies that report information related to your identity theft. Most credit card companies will only hold their customers responsible for up to $50 dollars in cases of theft, and most banks will replace stolen money pending verification.

Identity theft can make securing loans for home ownership or education impossible. It may even prevent employment with agencies that require a particular credit score. If you have been the victim of identity theft it can take weeks or years and often quite a bit of time and money to undo the damage. It makes sense that victims often feel angry, overwhelmed and discouraged. If you are the victim of identity theft it’s very important to be proactive. When you act quickly you will minimize the damage and loss by limiting unauthorized access to your sensitive account information.

Be sure to keep records of all activities and contacts related to your identity theft. You may also want to make periodic checks of your credit report and sign up for an account monitoring service, which immediately alerts you when inquiries to your credit report occur. Stay alert and keep aware.

Nicole Soltau is the President and Founder of
http://CreditUnionRate.com
The Leading Credit Union Directory
Search, Find, Join.

Sooner or later everyone with an email account will receive a phishing attempt from some internet scammer. What is phishing? How can you protect yourself? These are some of the questions this identity theft article will provide, along with some free resources and practical advice on how to protect your online identity.

The Anti-Phishing Working Group estimates that 75 million to 150 million phishing emails are sent every day on the internet. Phishing (pronounced fishing), is online identity theft that uses spoof emails, fraudulent websites and crimeware to trick unsuspecting internet users into providing financial data, credit card numbers, social security numbers, account logins and passwords, etc.

A spoofed email looks like it is from a legitimate company, usually banks, credit card companies, paypal, ebay, etc. These fraudulent emails look like they are from the “real” company, and generally try to get you to log into your account through the links in the email. The spoof email may state that there is a problem with your account and if you do not log in and update your information your account may be suspended, restricted, closed, etc. Generally these emails try to convey a sense of urgency; if you don’t correct this problem your account will be suspended.

Trojans are increasingly being used as a phishing technique according to Sophos, a security firm. The Brizilian police recently arrested a phishing gang of 18 people who stole $37M from online banking accounts. This phishing gang would send out emails that included Trojans. Once a Trojan infects your computer, all internet activity can be monitored and transferred to the phisher. This is a serious threat as you probably won’t know that you are infected with a Trojan.

According to David Jevans, Chairman of APWG, “Attacks can, and are, coming in a variety of other flavors. Instant Messaging, exploited websites, P2P networks, and search engines are all being used to download and run key logging malcode and/or be directed to websites which may contain malcode or be fraudulent. Attackers are also not just interested in username and password access to bank accounts. Social security numbers, credit cards and other identity information are also being stolen.”

Protecting yourself against phishing scams.

• Do not give out personal or financial information through an email request.

• Always log on to your sensitive accounts by opening a new browser and typing the actual URL directly into the address bar. For example, if you receive a suspected phishing email from ebay, open a new browser and type www.ebay.com in the browser bar.

• Do not click on any link in a suspected phishing email.

• Only use a secure website to submit sensitive data. A secure sites’ address will begin with “https://” instead of “http://”

• Check the activity of your online accounts regularly.

• Make sure your browser is up to date and all security patches are installed.

• Report phishing and spoof email to: reportphishing@antiphishing.com , spam@uce.gov, and forward the email to the company that is being spoofed.

• Keep your pc protected with updated anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a firewall.

• You may also want to install anti-phishing software.

o Earthlink ScamBlocker is a free browser toolbar that alerts you to known phishing sites. It’s free and can be downloaded at www.earthlink.net/earthlinktoolbar.

o Webroot has a beta version of PhishNet which you can download at www.webroot.com/products/phishnet/

o PC Tools Spyware Doctor offers protection against known phishing sites, spyware and blocks popups.

With the consequences being identity theft, it is imperative that you learn to protect your pc and your identity by exercising caution and installing the proper tools. Hopefully, this identity theft article has given you the information you need to avoid being the next phishing victim. Remember, legitimate companies don’t ask for personal or financial information in an email - so don’t give it to them!

Lisa Smith is the webmaster of 1stSpywareRemoval.com This website offers information on spyware, adware, internet safety, indepth reviews, and news.