Internet Page-Jacking and
Mouse-Trapping
Page-jacking
and mouse-trapping are recent techniques used by scammers to divert internet
users from their intended web destination (page-jacking) to the scammers site
from which the user is unable to leave using their browsers back, forward or
even close buttons (mouse-trapping).
Typically,
scammers make digital copies of web pages, and insert a change in the web page
to redirect users intending to go to that site to another site, often a
pornographic site. The scammers submit the copied pages to search engines, and
this page would be displayed in search results. The user then clicks to view the
page, and is redirected to the unwanted page.
The offending
site has been programmed to redirect the user to another site. When the user
clicks on the back button, they are taken back to the initial page, and then
redirected to the other offending site. This creates a loop (mouse-trapping),
which the user will be unable to break using their back, forward or close
buttons.
The scammers
make money by increasing the advertising revenue at their site, since the
scammer is paid for each visitor to the site. Each redirection counts as a ‘hit'
to the site, and more money for the scammer.
The scammer
may also be paid a referral fee from other sites. In this situation, the other
offending site would pay the scammer for each visitor.
The apparent
increase in site traffic allows the scammer to charge premium-advertising
rates. As these sites are typically pornographic in nature, it is not just the
revenue the consumer has to be worried about, but also the fact that Children
can easily be exposed to offending materials.
Prevention
To prevent
page-jacking and mouse-trapping, disable the ‘Java script' function of your
browser before you surf the Internet. This will allow you to exit the scammer
site when java script is used.
Install
Internet filtering software, which filters pornographic and other offending
material. Ensure this software is constantly updated.
If you are
page-jacked or mouse-trapped, manually enter a new website address or choose a
new site from your favourites folder. Make sure that you then use the Disk
Cleanup facility to clean your hard drive and remove all temporary files that
may be resident on your computer.
Educate
children who may use the Internet. Explain what they might encounter and how to
handle these situations.
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