Questions & Answers
Phishing

Q.  What's all this talk About Phishing

A.  Most commonly, users who are subject to phishing, receive spam e-mail (mass e-mail messaging) and pop-up windows that appear to come from legitimate businesses. People have been tricked by these deceptive solicitations into sharing passwords and credit card, social insurance and bank account numbers.

As an online user, you should always take precautions including querying the origination of e-mails, the URLs that those e-mails purport to take you to, and paying close attention to the secure padlock icon on your Internet Browser. Additionally, you should always navigate the web using authentic Internet security software.

Q.  How does phishing work?

A.  Phishing e-mails are often sent out as spam to numerous recipients and appear to come from legitimate businesses, sometimes even duplicating legitimate logos and text. Within the message, you may be requested to click on a link that takes you to a fraudulent site or pop up window where you are asked to submit personal and financial information. Messages may imply a sense of urgency or immediate risk to bank accounts or credit cards if you fail to answer, increasing the chances of a response. Special offers and prizes may also be promoted as incentives.  Click here for a look at an actual sample.

Q.  What do phishers do with your personal information?

A. Phishers can access your accounts using your passwords and other information to withdraw money or make purchases. Personal information can also be used by phishers to open new bank or credit card accounts in your name.

Q.  What you should watch for?

A. You should remember that none of the financial institutions solicit personal information via e-mail, unless the cardholder initiated contact. If you receive a suspicious e-mail appearing to be from a credit card company, immediately contact them directly. To report possible phishing scams from other organizations, send an e-mail to reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
 

That's enuf for this month.

Bill

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