New techniques being used during Internet scams - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Eau Claire (WQOW) - The FBI says Wisconsin residents lost almost $5 million in cyber scams in 2010. 

The average victim lost more than $1,000. Every year, criminals come up with new ways to steal account usernames and passwords.  This year, they've been using social networking web sites to their advantage.

"You're typing about "Ohh, you went to the Twin Cities to see a concert, and you saw a friend." The cyber criminals are turning around and using that information against you. "Hey I saw you at the concert in the Twin Cities, I thought I'd just send you this link...and boom, all of a sudden they're launching malicious software on your computer, or they're trying to get personal information from you," said Wisconsin Emergency Management's Tod Pritchard.

October is cyber security awareness month. Changing up your passwords often is a good idea to avoid cyber crime. It's also a good idea to throw out suspicious e-mails.