Avoiding scams - another example

The below message got by my SPAM filter and landed in my email inbox: (BTW, I normally do not allow automatic display of images in emails, or even open suspicious emails, but captured the below image for educational purposes, after doing some research.)

The email looks like it is from a social networking site, asking me to join/accept a new friend. This is not uncommon - we often get/send messages to people inviting them to join Facebook, LinkedIn, or some other social networking site.


However, the email immediately looked fishy because (1) I've never heard of "Jhoos" and was suspicious of it. (2) I didn't know the person whose name was listed in the email who supposedly "wants to be my friend." I did a search on that person's name in my email inbox and we were once both cc'ed on a message. (3) It's funny there is both a "Yes - Accept" and "No - Reject" button. Why would I click No to reject a friend on a site that I don't even belong to (instead of just deleting the email.)

Reminder 1 - Don't click on links if you're not sure of the site it is taking you to, especially if it is given to you by someone you don't know!
Reminder 2 - Just because an email says it was sent to you by John Smith does not mean it was sent by John Smith. Even if it is (supposedly) your best friend asking you to join some site, I'd double check with your friend, and double check the site (if I haven't heard of it.)

I did a google search on "jhoos" and supposedly it is a free online dating service. BUT, I also found many other google results (such as McAfee's SiteAdvisor site) that WARN AGAINST that site, which will install things on your computer without you knowing, send "invitations" to everyone in your address book (it asks you to enter in your email password so that you can supposedly connect with other friends), and perhaps other things. I didn't try it out myself, but seems pretty clear to me the social networking/dating thing is a front.

Reminder 3 - Don't ever give your email account password to anyone!
I know some sites will ask you to enter your email account info, and I really dislike it. (Facebook has it as a feature for inviting/connecting with friends.) Sure, maybe it's convenient. But do you really wanna give that much access to your account to some stranger? It's like giving someone the keys to your house. Not a good habit.