Web of Deceit

Overview

Avoiding cyber dangers and the pitfalls of social media

Skilled researchers, journalists, and subject experts have come together in this follow-up to Web of Deception to reveal important lessons for staying safe and retaining privacy online. In the wake of the social media popularity boom—epitomized by MySpace, eBay, and Craigslist and accelerating with Facebook and Twitter—the success of internet con artists and thieves has been quick to follow. Manipulators have been provided with the tools and targets to perpetrate hoaxes and con games on an ever larger scale. An invaluable guide to safe internet usage, this resource explains the importance of guarding privacy and identity online, spotting misinformation, avoiding charity scams, and evaluating websites.

Reviews

"Anne Mintz has once again assembled some savvy writers who have a lot to teach us about being safe on the web. The dangers of social media command our attention now more than ever, and this book is a must-read for anyone who socializes, shops, or interacts online. In other words, all of us!" —Ari L. Goldman, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

"Anne Mintz and her contributors approach intentional misinformation thoughtfully, knowledgeably, and with a refreshing lack of hysteria. The book sparkles with insight, expertise, wit, and dramatic—if appalling—examples of deception on the Net." —Reva Basch, executive editor, Super Searchers book series, on Web of Deception

"[N]ot merely essential for our cyber age, but quintessential." —Christopher Buckley, author, Thank You For Smoking, on Web of Deception

"The subject of misinformation is of growing importance and Anne Mintz's new book uses timely examples to make information abuse come alive. Anyone interested in understanding the challenges 'big data' present to researchers will find Ms. Mintz’s guidance valuable."—Stephen E. Arnold, ArnoldIT.com

"A fascinating and disturbing series of essays about the abuses of social media—a topic that could not be more timely."—Peter Beinart, associate professor of journalism and political science, CUNY

Author Biography

Anne P. Mintz formerly worked for several decades as director of information centers in the fields of media and investment banking. She is the author of Web of Deception. She lives in New York City.