Internet Guardian

Posts Tagged ‘Online’

Online gambling has many risks, aside from the risks on the game there are also the risks of scams and frauds. In the internet, these arent really uncommon. The internet reaches far and wide and it is no wonder that our dishonest brothers have finally found a way to again con our more honest brothers out of the money that theyve worked hard for.

Online gambling risk comes in many shapes and sizes, aside from the addiction risk, there are of course the risk of scams.

Therefore you should know if the online casino youre entering is legitimate or not. In todays day and age, that is very hard to do. Scammer Casinos need only to copy the layouts of legitimate casinos and adopt them as their own, including memberships and certifications. Logos and banners are very easy to copy so be weary of these.

The only way to make sure that you dont get scammed is to go to online casinos approved by trustworthy organizations like the Interactive Gaming commission. If however, you get invited, to a site, dont make any deposits yet. Look up their certifications and make sure that these are indeed true by doing a quick search on the organization that gave the certification.

Most online gaming organizations have a quick search function that allows you to search for members. Usually, scammer casinos dont take the time to become members because they usually change names in short periods, usually when their scam gets discovered.

Like any form of gambling, the risk doesnt necessarily come in the game. The risk is part of the game, but risks that we are talking about here go beyond winning and losing money.

The highest risk is getting addicted.

Gambling should be a form of entertainment, and shouldnt be viewed otherwise. It isnt a living and it definitely isnt a gold mine. This is whats wrong about todays gamblers; they view it as a fast way to get money.

You should know that a low risk gambler views playing in casinos, online or offline should be only a form of entertainment. Once you think that its a living, its already the onset of addiction.

To lower your gambling risk, make sure that you limit yourself. Never play for more than you thought you would, or for longer than you thought you will. Draft the length of time and the amount of money you would play, kind of like scheduling dinner or a trip to the movies.

Legal forms of gambling are those that are being run directly by charitable institutions, companies for profit or government agencies.

Whereas illegal forms of gambling are those by which bets are placed on underground gambling services, the internet, being such. Gambling among peers or associates such as playing poker or pool that includes real money betting is also considered illegal.

Each City or State has complex rules that dictate legal or illegal gambling. Here are different forms of gambling:

*Casino. This is a form of gambling rapidly growing especially in the internet, as an online gaming site. This is a set up, usually referred to as “the house” wherein players can play in such games of chance, which include slot machines, poker, black jack, keno and roulettes.

*Sports betting. In other parts of the world, this is considered legal. Here in the United States, betting on individual sports events is accepted only as legal in Nevada. This is partly because of the possibility for such events to be “fixed”. As certain cases does happen when gamblers pay sports teams to lose in the game.

*Horse racing is the most common type of legal gambling. This is presided over by the pari-mutuel, or French for mutual stake. This system works in such a way that all the betting is place in a fund, where it will be divided among winning bettors, minus a certain percentages that will go to the track.

*Lotteries. This works such that tickets are being sold for a certain set of amount. A portion of the proceeds is given back to the winners, through random draw process. In most cases, while other players choose their own numbers, others allow the computer to pick numbers for them.

Such type of gambling offers different games. There are instant scratch tickets, wherein an individual may win instantly with the right combinations on the ticket and super lotto’s that offer increasing jackpots until such time that there is a winner. Eighty percent of States in the U.S. have laws that allow lotteries run by government. Thus, twenty five percent of all legal gambling revenues are from lottery.

*Other forms of gambling include bingo, dog races, pool, playing mah jong and the stock market.

Gambling can be seen everywhere, especially today, where the internet offers a lot of sites where such forms of gambling can easily be accessed. This is why it is important to carefully assess the site or the place that you are in, before making any move.

If you wont let a stranger into your car, why let him into your heart?

You finally found that someone special!

Since you met, they email you daily. They seem loving and caring. They are a good listener. They appeal to your way of life, and they appear to be that perfect fit for your taste and personality. Children? Animals? They want children, they love your animals, what more could you want?

You think you may be soulmates. But before you go any further, think about this: They may be an online predator, one of thousands of con artists and sexual predators crawling Internet dating sites for hopeful romantics just like you. They have victimized others by stealing their trust, hearts and their money. And now they are after you… there are some horrible people hiding in the shadows looking to capitalize off of your hope and trust.

Did they tell you they have money, or claimed they are a lawyer or an executive. They may have bragged about their business or their waterfront estate. They said they have never had financial difficulty or had any liens and judgments against them. Is there a history of criminal behavior or are they a sexual predator? Could they be lying?

Love is blind, but you do not have to be.

Don’t become another statistic… For the price of a dinner out, you can order your “Peace of Mind” from background search specialist. They can thoroughly examine their private and professional background along with any criminal records. A good background investigation includes bankruptcies, liens and judgments. Conducting this search will give you peace of mind.

There are some dishonest characters out there, protect yourself by getting all the facts up front.

1) Are they married or divorced?

2) What type of assets or debts do they have?

3) Do they have a criminal record?

4) Do they have any kids?

5) Do they have any pending lawsuits?

No question online or off it is important to be on your guard but with internet dating being on your toes has never been as important as it is today. One of the major benefits to hooking up online is also one of its most glaring drawbacks. The enigma of being anonymous has many people running wild but it has become an incredible tool for online scammers.

Most search specialists can conduct a background search confidentially. You probably do not want the subject of the background check to know you are investigating their integrity. Yet taking the time to have a discreet, thorough background search can save you heartbreak or worse in the future.

You only have one heart, use it wisely!

Well, your search for cheaper medication may lead you to fraud drug dealers and eventually put your precious life to risk. The Internet is an increasingly important channel for the efficient and effective distribution of prescription drugs at lower prices. Legitimate online pharmacies are serving the growing numbers of online consumers by providing a safe, reliable, and cost-effective online drugstore. Many online pharmacies offer greater convenience and lower prices than the corner drugstore, but if you don’t know for sure if the seller you’re dealing with is legitimate, you may be at risk of receiving products that are contaminated, counterfeit, or not approved by the FDA–or you may pay and receive nothing at all.

Americans looking for good prices on prescription drugs don’t have to look far. Smart shoppers with the right information can buy what they need at a more affordable price and avoid the serious safety risks that accompany purchasing imported medicine. But there exists rogue Internet pharmacies too, selling counterfeit drugs to online customers. Counterfeit drugs can be dangerous to your health. Counterfeit medicine may be ineffective or cause serious side effects such as an allergic reaction. Drugs that are legitimate but not correctly prescribed can also be harmful or ineffective.

Prescription medications are valuable technologies that literally affect our body’s mechanism. Making sure you are taking the right ones and taking them correctly is highly important. Your pharmacist can review prescriptions and help protect you from negative drug interactions. A recent study on the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs in America reveals the availability of controlled, dangerous and addictive prescription drugs like Percodan, OxyContin, Valium, Xanax, Ritalin and Adderall on the Internet. The most alarming fact is these drugs are as easy for children to buy over the Internet as candy. Anyone can easily obtain highly addictive controlled substances online without a prescription from illegal Internet drug pharmacies. All they need is a credit card.

While legitimate online pharmacies can provide access to medications for patients who need them, this snapshot of the wide availability of controlled, dangerous, addictive drugs on the Internet reveals a wide-open channel of illegal distribution. This easy availability has enormous implications for public health, particularly the health of our children. The Internet has emerged as an exploding method of illegal distribution of counterfeit drugs.

The government is trying to downsize the growing tide of illegal drugs imported into the United States by rogue online pharmacies. Formation of a regulatory body certifying the online pharmacies is one of the methodologies being adapted by the government. A pharmacy search engine can be a better alternative to prevent illegal Internet drugstores from selling counterfeit drugs online. A pharmacy search engine acts as a resource in finding the best solution to this compounding issue. It will ensure that the pharmacies it offers to its customers not only offer the best prices but are also safe, reliable and legitimate online pharmacies. Many consumers are largely unaware that prices for medications differ from pharmacy to pharmacy; via a pharmacy search engine patients can move their prescriptions to a list of pharmacies to choose the most suitable one. Consumers should feel confident with the hope that the online marketplace could remain safe and secure with the help of such pharmacy search engines.

While meeting the mate of your dreams from the comfort and privacy of your personal computer may be a welcome idea, it is not without its dangers. More and more cases of sexual predators, pedophiles as well as a host of other vices are springing up by the day.

Before getting too carried away with someone you meet online, you may want to consider the following factors and rethink your situation. It should occur to you that the person may actually be married, looking for some extra fun on the side; in this kind of a situation you only end up feeling wasted and disappointed for having wasted your feelings on people who have no space for you legally in their lives. With intentions of varying nature, women overseas run scams against men. They pretend to be attracted to them and ask for money. Needless to say, they disappear the moment they get the money.

The person you are chatting to online maybe anything as far as character is concerned. Remember, you don’t know them personally! Mothers are making headlines daily with cries of being stuck with pedophile partners who they met on internet chat rooms and dating sites. Needless to say we have all heard of the rampant cases of date rapes and even kidnappings occuring when people meet strangers they thought they knew well from the internet. With people like this lurking everywhere on the internet, it is imperative that users be aware of measures to avert possible dangers. Some of these measures include:

1) Follow your instincts. If the general gut feeling is that the person you are talking to is suspicious, trust this feeling and cut all communication immediately.

2) Never give out your personal information until you are sure it is safe.

3) Use a safe site; that is, one that is primarily concerned with the safety of its clients by enabling ways of weeding out potentially dangerous users say for example those with previous criminal records.

4) Do not give your personal contact details eg telephone numbers (even cellphone numbers), addresses etc. With todays technology finding somebody through a phone number is a matter of only a few clicks over a period of several seconds.

5) Learn some self defense skills. You might be accosted physically and these will come in handy.

6) Do not talk about your kids online, post their pictures or divulge any information about them, say for example what school they attend and the likes.

7) When going out on a date for the with someone you met online, ensure that you meet in a public place at a “safe”

hour.

Ensure that you have your own means of transport to and from the venue of the date. Do not under any circumstances let the person drive you home.

9) Be wary of people who ask weird intrusive questions and remember that you do not have to answer anything that could put you in danger.

10) If you have to meet outside your locality take extra care especially if you are flying to a place you have never been to before. Make sure at least one person close to you knows the full details of the plans to go meet the person and also about the person you are meeting.

For many people, their faith is a very large part of their lives and their identities. Their faith is the single most important factor that they use to determine the personal choices that they make from day to day and is most assuredly the single most important factor that they use to base their personal relationships upon.

A person who considers their Christian faith and beliefs to be of the utmost of importance, would never consider marrying outside of their faith. And, as we all know, dating is the forerunner of marriage. These people only want to date others who share their beliefs both online and off.

So when a Christian decides to participate in online dating, as more and more do each day, they will often seek out sites that are devoted specifically to those who share their beliefs who wish to date online. They believe (sometimes mistakenly) that the other members of the online dating site that they have joined are also Christians and hold the same beliefs sacred that they do.

Christians, as a whole, are honest people who believe that other people who say that they are Christians are also honest people. However, people can learn to parrot principles and ideas and to hold long and detailed discussions about the Bible. They do these things simply to appear to be a Christian that another will believe and accept at face value.

The important things that those who are using Christian online dating sites need to remember is that you just can’t believe everything that you are told. Just because another unseen and unknown-to-you-person can quote the Bible and claim to live by Christian principles, doesn’t make it so.

The very same safety precautions should be used on Christian online dating sites as one would employ on a general online dating site. Just because you have met your online dating partner on a Christian online dating site doesn’t mean that he or she really are what they claim. Unless and/or until a relationship has developed over a period of months (NOT days or even weeks) one should never:

(1) Give out personal information…not a real name, not the city of residence or birth, not an address or a telephone number and not an ISP email address.

(2) The chat service that is provided by the Christian dating site should be used rather than other chat services.

The Internet is only as anonymous as a user allows it to be. There are safety features that are afforded by all online dating sites, including Christian online dating sites. These safety features are there for the protection of the users, but using them is optional. Please ensure that you use them.

The Internet provides a great way to meet new people. However, there are also many scam artists. Take your time and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. It will be well worth your time and effort in the long run.

There are many methods to spy on your child’s Internet usage. Read on for one easy option that is free and produces immediate results.

The Issue

Today’s parents have to be vigilant about knowing what their children are doing online. There are many methods to prevent their children from viewing undesirable websites when they are online. Each way has its strengths and weaknesses, but one method stands out above all the rest for maximum effectiveness.

For adults who throw up their hands and say it is too hard to keep track of what their children are doing when they are connected to the Internet, I have a comparison that they should pay attention to Would they have a similar reaction if the discussion was about playing with matches on the parlor floor? Why then is the discussion of computer usage any different?

Age Warning Pages

Age warning pages or minimum age verification check boxes on websites cover the webmaster from a legal standpoint for trying to keep out those who are not old enough to view the content. Of course, from a teen’s viewpoint, those measures only serve to make the website more interesting and they no doubt check off the age box in whatever way will let them into the site.

Help At The ISP Level

Well-known search engines and some ISP’s have “parental locks” just like the V-Chip on televisions. The purpose of these is to block access to sites that have objectionable content. You can modify search engine home pages to only show results of an acceptable nature. There are usually levels of “safety” that parents can set.

Parents also spend lots of money on Internetfiltering programs such as Norton Internet Security, K9 Web Protection, CyberSitter, and other similar products. While they are probably reasonably effective, computer filtering programs has its quirks too. The usual example is that the filters block viewing of medical or medical related information such as thoat belonging to various breast cancer foundations because those sites refer to body parts.

Getting More High-Tech

Stepping it up a bit technology wise, there are software solutions called keyloggers. Keyloggers save to memory what has been typed on a keyboard and can retrieve that information. Essentially, they are allowing parents} to learn what has been typed on a keyboard long after the typing is done. Also be aware that there are programs that can record everything that has taken place on a particularcomputer including, chat discussions, e-mail messages, e-mails, email conversations sent and received, pictures viewed, and websites visited. Some programs even allow you to put in place a system to alert when a violation has occurred such as a kid visiting a websites that a parent or guardian has instructed is off limits.

Any or all of the above methods may contribute to a parent’s overall plan to protect his or her children from the threats of the modern online world, but there is still one more idea that every parent should put into use immediately.

The Ultimate Solution

The most efficient solution is also the most obvious one, which means that is easily overlooked. It can be stated in one sentence; it promotes family unity and it’s free. Ready? Put the PC right in the middle of the living room!

Do you need a minute to get over the shock of this suggestion? I warned you that the brilliance would be in the simplicity. I’m sure you can imagine the look of horror on your son’s face and the screams of complaint from your daughter that you are ruining her life and totally invading her privacy with this act of parental treason. You will have to deal with the arguments that your children’s friend’s parents let them have their computers in their own rooms.

Appropriate parenting skills should never be based on the neighbors and their parenting style unless they are exemplary role models as parents. If that describes your situation, I can practically guarantee that your their children will never beg you to copy their parenting techniques.

Parents, stay strong and don’t be afraid to get that computer front and center in the parlor immediately and you will never again have to wonder what your kids post on their facebook profiles and with whom they are chatting in chatrooms.

Is online dating safe or not? Let’s take a look at what the dangers are and determine whether online dating safety is actually a reality.

Identity theft is a growing trend with online dating therefore it may or may not be a good idea for some people. Although you will find risks to online dating you will also find many benefits that may outweigh the risk. Being informed will help you keep away from the downsides.

The Big Problem – Privacy and Security

Considered one of the biggest problems in online dating safety – privacy and security. You will find sites that will not guarantee the privacy of a user. Always look for the posted site warnings, normally in small print at the bottom of their site stating “privacy policy”. It’s highly recommended that you read the policies to be certain you know and understand what the site is about. If the site will allow non-members to view registered member profiles and/or personal information you can be fairly certain that this site has a lack of online dating safety. Any site that would allow this is definitely not recommended.

Being Careful About Identity Theft

Always remember that people can become hackers by using the Internet, when registering with an online dating service you expose yourself to these types of people who are looking for your personal information. Committing crimes with other people’s identity is one of the main purposes these criminal personality types register with online dating services. Some hackers have the ability to figure out just enough information to obtain members credit card numbers and pin numbers and use this information to make purchases under their name.

A Word About Fraud

What should you look for to determine if fraud is taking place? One example would be the online dating site owner taking money from users that pay for certain services yet the member never receives the promised service. Another warning sign would be if one member asked another member to pay for the trip to meet each other in their hometown, yet the member would keep the money and not show up at the meeting place.

Cyber Stalking

Stalking is a major problem in online dating safety because members of the site can obtain information on a personal nature through the dating service. It would be very easy to turn this information around and use it to injure or harass the members. While its true that the Internet has made it easy for cyber stalkers, online dating is not to blame for the cyber stalking, it just makes it easier. Cyber stalking was not even considered a threat until recent world events.

You should always take online dating safety extremely serious. Always take the utmost precautions. Never forget that people can be anyone or anything they want to be online, including someone that could possibly hurt you. Never believe everything people tell you.

The safety of children on Myspace and other social networks is of growing concern in today’s online society. The press continually talks to issues regarding child stalkers and perverts waiting around every corner of Myspace. But how much truth and risk is really involved with Myspace or its social network counter parts, and what can you do to reduce any risk that might be involved with your children using Myspace?

In reality there is a concern for younger children who use Myspace, if they have no been properly warned. Children can easily stumble upon people posing as other children. It’s very simple for someone to create a false Myspace profile, from a false email address and connect from an anonymous or false IP address. This means they’re essentially untraceable… even by the FBI, despite what they may claim.

Myspace has had a lot of bad publicity recently over sexual assaults that may have originated from connections on myspace’s network. But can you blame http://myspace.com for these actions of others? I lean away from thinking you can. The blame should lie more with parents then the connecting network. Myspace is only one of hundreds or thousands of networks and chat tools kids can use and sexual predators can take advantage of… Myspace is simply the largest and the best news story for media outlets to cover.

Parents should play an active role in monitoring their child’s internet usage, not just Myspace usage. There are monitoring tools to help keep an eye on what your kids are doing even while you’re away. Some of these programs will keep logs of every website your child visits and every chat session he or she has with friends. If your child is old enough to tell though you may want to warn him before hand as it can be a very sensitive subject for a parent to be monitoring a teenager who feels they can take care of themselves. Also these programs claim to be undetectable but keep in mind many teenagers today know more about computers than you could imagine and may be able to remove this software.

Keep an eye out on your kids and keep them safe!

Atlantic City, NJ – Recently, the online dating industry has taken a hit concerning the safety of its members. A New Jersey police officer offers important online dating tips that can help online dating members keep themselves safe.

Police Officer Kenneth Bachman from Egg Harbor Township, NJ is very familiar with the online dating industry. Bachman is an eight year veteran of the Burlington County Sheriffs Office in Mount Holly, NJ. In April of last year, Bachman started a company called Shore Network Connections, LLC. Shore Network Connections is host to one of the only online dating websites on the internet dedicated solely to the men and women behind the badge. Additionally, Bachman has had the opportunity to investigate cases involving online predators.

Bachman offers some general rules that must be followed when utilizing an online dating website. Fist, never expose your personal information such as your name,address,phone number,etc to any other members until you get to know the person you are dealing with better. This is to insure your overall safety and well being. Generally most people online are basically harmless and sincere, but the internet does possess its’ share of bad characters. So act appropriately and be smart and cautious when dealing with people online. Second, be careful when choosing your online name. Pick a neutral gender name if you don’t wish to invite uninvited sexual advances online or sexual innuendo. However if your intention is to invite advances from the sexes, then be prepared for the potential deluge of advances. Third,

be very careful when meeting in person. When you feel the time is right, and meeting in person is appropriate, always meet in a public place with a group of friends. Never meet the person for the first time by yourself. By having your friends this presents a secure picture of support. If this person is worth it they will honor your request. Lastly, trust your instincts.

If your instincts are trying to inform you that something may be wrong, listen to them. If you are uncomfortable for any reason then this could be a sign to steer clear. If this person isn’t your type then let them know immediately. Remember there are all types of people and personalities online and people emotions should be respected.

These are just a few simple, but important rules to keep your online dating experience safe. There are also screening services on the market that offer background investigations on your date. You may have to spend a few dollars for the service, but you can be assured of your safety. Shore Network Connections LLC, a company whose ventures also include BadgeVacations.com, offering discounted travel rates to emergency service personnel and TheBadge.org, a singles community for Emergency Services Personnel received the “Online Safety Award” in 2006.

For More Information Contact:

Kenneth J. Bachman

(609) 338-4158

http://www.thebadge.org

There is something about meeting that special person online and being pleasantly surprised as the conversations between the two of you flow more naturally. You discover the other person so easy to talk with that you find yourself sharing more details about your life than you have ever done with any of your previous relationships; whether they were online or off.

The times between logging off to take care of business and logging back on to reconnect with each other passes way too slow for your liking. And it’s pretty obvious that they enjoy it also. The online chats last for hours. Even then it seems like the two of you can go on for a lot longer.

So what’s wrong with that? Nothing if both parties continue to initiate the messages on an equal basis. But all too often, it becomes a one way street in that one person starts to do way more messaging than the other one. Sure the two of you may be still under the impression that the relationship is still on that plateau of almost limitless discussions and chats.

But time has a way of removing the rose colored glasses that come with relationships and emotions and replacing it with candid observation and analysis.

Too much messaging could mean:

1. Desperate

At first it was such a wonderful discovery how much you too had in common. Now due to excessive messaging it strikes you that maybe you both have a little TOO much in common. You agree on almost everything. Now even with being restrained in the number of times you contact each other, the two of you really may be that compatible.

However when it feels like there is no time to digest the information from the previous conversation before a new message pops up, then that just opens the door to the thought that maybe one of you wants this relationship a little too much.

2. Needy

How are their emotions doing when you do not get back to them post haste? Do they start to gush a little too much about how they missed you. Or do they get agitated?

This can take many forms such as sarcasm, becoming less talkative or just letting you know how upset they are that you didn’t get back to them. If they are having a hard time dealing with the fact that you have a life outside of cyberspace then tread lightly.

3. Personal Darkness

Yes this is extreme; unfortunately it has been known to happen. Too many messages can mean they are trying to drag you into their own private nightmare. That could be anything from running a scam to separate you from your money or something more sinister.

Thankfully it’s not a common occurrence but when it comes to dealing with someone who for all intent and purposes is still a total stranger, you have to take extra steps to guard your safety.

Your online relationship might be the real deal and lead to something wonderful between the two of you. But it’s hard to assess that if there is no breathing space to allow the natural give and take of the relationship to flow.

Even if your internet dating partner is not desperate, needy or trying to drag you into their own personal insane asylum, both of you are still jeopardizing the relationship.

Too much of a good thing too fast can eventually make you sick of it. You may like hamburgers and hate hot dogs but after a steady diet of overindulgence, the hot dogs start looking better and better to you.