Hackers and scammers: The two worst things that creep around Whyville. I know
that many Whyvillians have been deceived before, and I believe that I, who have
been a victim, should fill you in about their dirty tricks. Remember that
most hackers and scammers are just after clams.
Hackers: In less than a minute, they can take away timeless efforts you
have put in into gradually building your account. Sure, you may have heard of
the classic "salary raiser" or the "makeover artist," but what about the more
clever ones? These are some of the sneaks that some of us fall for:
1. SPACEMAKER: This is the one where the hacker says, "If you type your
password with spaces, your password isn???t shown!" Then they type in: * * * * * *
*. They expect you to have a go, but when you try it, its turns out to be: 8 b u
t t e r f l y 6 or whatever your password is! Immediately, the hacker can gain
entry to your account.
2. FAKE LOGIN: Hackers using this hoax will sway you into visiting a site
that gives you clams or something, but in order to do so, it appears you must
log into the Whyville page again. The page looks exactly like the normal member
login, but in fact it is a guest book that records your password.
3. SHIFT ADDY: This type convinces you to change your email address in
Whyville to theirs, saying they can send you a "clam generator" (or whatever).
After you???ve changed it, they go to the "Forgot Your Password?" section and type
in your username, mailing your password to their inbox!
Scammers: Just as worse as hackers! They will trick you into paying them
clams somehow. Make sure you are aware of their traps!
1. RIP OFF: Just say you want to trade someone some parts for clams, and they
never send you the parts! You can???t really do anything about it; the scam was
used with dishonesty. Make sure that if you want a fair trade, you use the
Trading Post.
2. FAKE STAFF: Remember that NO WHYVILLE STAFF MEMBER will ever ask for your
password. Report the message if it is fake. If someone claims to be a City
Worker or do any other job for Whyville, then asks for your password, clams, or
anything else, 911 report 'em right away.
3. THREATS: You may receive a message that says, "Your account will be erased
unless you pay so-many clams." This is all a con.
Well, that???s it from me. I hope I???ve helped you recognize that not every
Whyvillian can be trusted. Remember that all City Hall workers wear the red hat,
and if someone, anyone is doing something wrong, 911 report them!
Juzzy (a concerned Whyvillian)
