Category - Internet
Topic - Online Scams
Issue - Tips to avoid online “phishing”
Tiptoid -
Phishing is a devious technique used by online scammers. These phishers claim to be legitimate organizations or businesses, and send spam or pop-up messages to unsuspecting internet users in an attempt to lure personal information. Too many people seem all to willing to hand over account information, bank account information, credit card numbers, passwords, social security numbers, and the like, in response to a promise of something good, or threat of reprisal.
No one is exempt from phishers. Here are some ways you can avoid being phished.
• Never reply to or even click on any link that asks for your personal information. Legitimate businesses will not ask for information this way. They provide contact information such as phone numbers, which can be found on your account statements.
• Check the validity of return web addresses by opening up a new email window and typing in the URL address. Watch if it changes. It's not a valid site if it does.
• Be cautious about opening or downloading files attached to emails you receive. You can never be sure who sent this information, and you always need to be concerned about viruses.
• As soon as you get your credit card account bills or bank statements, review them to make sure there are no charges of which you are unaware.
• Forward any spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov.
• Know who you are dealing with. Always!
I'm taking this advice seriously. So are my parents, now that I've made them aware of the problem with phishers. I hope you're listening, too!
Glossary -
devious - not straightforward; shifty or crooked
exempt - to be free from an obligation or duty
legitimate - according to law
lure - to entice or tempt
reprisal - the act or instance of retaliation
Find Out More - http://www.antiphishing.org/
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Submitted by - Ahmed Bashshiti
Site Managers - Chris Ricci
June 2007