A recent event in a neighboring town has set my spurs a-fire. This event sparked a letter to the local editor, which he has once again chosen to ignore. (We are not the best of friends, truth be told.) So, I got to thinking. Scary I know, but bear with me here.

I, of course, will keep bugging my local editor. Just because I enjoy it ;) but... I will go a few steps further. Partially because it is for a friend, and partially because I truly love a challenge.

Anyway, the event..... an old friend of mine is currently in jail because of the 419 scam. While I am sure she had her reasons for believing in her actions, I also believe the fault lies in the publics education. (or lack there of)

When it comes to online scams, spams, phishings and frauds no one knows it all. I was very very shocked to see an article, in my local paper, that mentioned computer, internet, online, or email. Let alone an article including all of the above. If it is not about cows, corn, or cowboys.... oh, and local sports, it generally doesn't get front page notice. Oops...

Now, before I continue ranting about the local paper, on to my thoughts.

I am putting together a list of websites that consumers, newbies and oldbies, can visit for information on virus's and scams. I will be sending the information to the editor and another old friend who just happens to be a senator ;) But.... I am not going to stop there. My dad once told me that if you only do things half-a**ed you risk losing your favorite cheek ;)

I will also add the information to my web site, post flyers locally, mail and email it to Governors and Senators and Representatives. Anyone I can pester I will be more than happy to pester ;)

Here's where you come in :) I need input! I can not read everything on the internet. I can not search a million different phrases and decide which sites are useful and which ones are not. I do not know all of the best sites to confirm a scam, etc. But I can ask all of you.

I want to put together a comprehensible list of:

Sites that list possible and/or existing scams, etc. such as: Scambusters and Snopes.

Sites you can report scams, fraud, etc. to, such as: Spamcop and FTC.

If you know of a new scam that isn't widely known, that information would be fantastic! Anything to do with virus's would be great too.

I know there are places we all go because we trust the information they provide. I am looking for those places.

While my goal is to educate my local community. Once the information is gathered and organized it will be available for anyone and everyone who wants it.

Whether my friend was right or wrong in what she chose to do, doesn't matter. We all wish people were more educated about virus's etc. well, .... I'm tired of wishing. Unfortunately it took it happening in my back yard to get me to that point. I am hoping, with your help, I can prevent it from happening again.

Are you up for it?

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