With every exciting new technology innovation, mischief-makers are sure to follow. Here's a run-down on some new ways that spammers and scammers are trying to capitalize on modern conveniences like cell phones and instant messaging.

Mobile phone spam. These are text messages sent directly to your cell phone. It's a relatively new scourge in North America, but it's been going around Japan for years. One of the more irritating aspects of mobile phone spam is you can't tell if a message is junk until after you've opened it—and already been charged for it. One of the best things you can do to prevent mobile phone spam from reaching you is to block all text messages originating from the Internet. (This is how most text spammers operate, because it's free that way.)

Instant messenger viruses. IM viruses can spread very quickly by sending out to every contact in a person's instant messenger profile. The victim is sent a link or an attachment over instant messenger, and because it appears to come from a friend, they are more likely to trust that it's safe. No sooner do they click it than they start automatically downloading viruses, Trojans, you name it. The best way to prevent getting infected by an IM virus not to click a link or an attachment until you're certain it's okay. If a contact suddenly pops up on your instant messenger and, without any preamble or greeting, gives you a link, don't click it until you've confirmed with the sender that it's safe. You should also make sure you have the most recent version of your instant messenger client—it's more likely to have security updates that prevent these viruses from spreading.

Credits from Trend Micro Newsletter once again. ;)