Phishing
You have probably seen emails that
appear to be from Paypal, or a major bank, that tell you they
suspect unauthorized transactions or activity in your account,
or that they need you to update or verify your information.
Beware! This is actually a scam known as ‘phishing.’
If you click on the links in those
emails, and then fill out the requested information, which
usually includes your login information for the banking site,
your credit card information, or your social security number,
you have just opened yourself up to probably identity theft.
You’ve just had your virtual wallet stolen!
The website you will arrive at
when clicking those links in the email will look exactly like
the real deal – but it isn’t. When you receive such emails, do
not reply to them, and do not click the links. Legitimate
companies do not ask for this information through email.
If you are concerned that the
email may be legitimate, and your information is needed, again,
do not click the link in the email, instead, open your browser
and type in the URL of the website – don’t use the URL given in
the email. If you have financial dealings with the site, the
chances are you already have the site in your bookmarks or
favorites file, or you have the original welcome email from the
company. Use the URL provided there instead of the URL provided
in the questionable message. When you get to the real site,
first verify that you are in fact at the real site before
logging in. In fact, don’t even log in. Just look for a phone
number or email address to contact the company. Then, contact
the company, and ask them about the legitimacy of the email.
Contact them by telephone preferably.
Some phishing emails also contain
small files that can track your activities on the Internet,
without your knowledge. For this reason, your anti-virus and
firewall need to be up-to-date, and you need to run anti-spyware
software constantly.
Never send your banking or credit
card information through the email. Don’t send login information
through the email either. It isn’t secure. Most financial
websites have an address that you can forward phishing of
spoofed emails to. You should be able to find that information
on the website, or by calling the company. These types of emails
should also be forwarded to
spam@uce.gov .
You might also consider holding
onto the email for about a week. Then, after a week has passed,
go ahead and click on the link. You will probably find that the
site is no longer in existence. Most phishing sites are only in
existence for about 54 hours.
Security Checklist. Check if you have enough
protection
10 Steps to Protect Yourself and
Your Family
