CTV Calgary Consumer Specialist Lea Williams-Doherty looked into a recent social media scam and confusion over early condo agreements.
Since the death of Osama Bin Laden, there has been talk about whether or not the U.S. will release pictures of the dead terrorist. So far, they have not.
This scam, which is rampant on sites like Facebook and Twitter, promises to show you pictures or even a video of Bin Laden's death if you click on a link.
The headline will say something like ‘See a picture of Bin Laden dead' or ‘Watch Bin Laden execution video'.
If you click the link it will take you to another page where the picture or video is supposed to be but it will tell you to download software to view it.
If you chose to download the software, you will actually download a virus onto your computer that may steal your information, give someone remote access to your computer, or wreck your hard drive.
The Better Business Bureau says that scams like these are always out there, but based on the number of calls they are receiving, people are falling for this one more than usual.
"It's a hot topic, people are interested in this, so the scammers are getting particularly lucky with this one and this scam is spreading very quickly," says Kara Hendriksen of the Better Business Bureau.
Lea says there are a few thing you can do so that you know when you are leaving your secure Facebook account.
On Facebook, there is a way to tell if you're about to leave your secure computer connection:
- Open Account Settings
- Click Account Security
- Click Secure Browsing
If you do this, you will get an on screen message any time you are about to leave your secure connection and go to an external application where your private information may be compromised.
This week's second alert is for anyone who is considering buying a to-be-built condominium.
Service Alberta is warning the public about Early Planning Agreements that some condo builders are now using.
These agreements authorize the builder to design a condo according to the buyer's specifications, and give the buyer the option to sign a purchase agreement for the condo later on at a specified price.
Buyers must put down a deposit when they sign the agreement. The problem is that they are not covered by the Condominium Property Act.
The agreement does not give buyers the right to cancel the contract within 10 days and get their money back, as they are entitled to do after signing a regular condo purchase agreement.
Lea found that Early Planning Agreements may still give you the right to cancel and get your money back, but if that is not written in the document, the law can not help you.
Service Alberta is currently in the middle of an extensive review of the Condominium Property Act, and will take a close look at these new agreements.
If you have an alert idea for Lea email her at lea.williams-doherty@bellmedia.ca
