Phishing:How to Avoid Internet Scams

by: AimyD
Total views: 22 | Word Count: 435

The term “phishing” is used to describe internet scam artists. These scam artists use this technique to get your most valuable personal information so they may use it at their discretion.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is an e-mail scam in which an e-mail you receive looks like the real thing. This e-mail could say that it is from your bank, your Realtor, or anyone that you know that may need some of your personal information. This e-mail will also include a link that you “must” go to so you will be able to enter you information.

The URL of the new site may include all numbers or misspelled words, yet the site looks completely legitimate. This is exactly what the scam artists want. If the site looks real you are more likely to enter your personal information and not think twice about it.

Many people have received these phishing e-mails and have done everything the scam artists have asked, which in turn leads to the victims having their identity stoles. Scam artists are able to apply for credit in your name, and make purchases using your information that you provided them with.

Avoid the Scam

There are many suggestions as to how to avoid the scams and having your identity stolen. This type of identity theft is as bad as having someone take your wallet off your coffee table with you sitting there and many times this scam could be worse.

Anytime you receive an e-mail stating you must follow a link to another website and enter your personal information for whatever reason the scam artist may list, you should follow these precautions.

-Do not for any reason reply to the e-mail.

-Using another browser window enter the real URL (not the exact URL in the email) and use your login information to enter into the site and make any changes, such as password or user ID.

-Call the company immediately to inform them of the phishing scam.

-Don’t give personal information to any one, especially over the internet.

-If you feel as though you have been targeted with a phishing scam, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission as soon as possible to make a report.

If you have been a victim of a phishing follow these steps:

-Call the company in which you thought you were giving your personal information to, cancel the account and open a new one.

-Review any and all statements from that company to make sure you do not have any false charges on your account.

-Contact the Federal Trade Commission.

Keep all your personal information private, this cannot be stressed enough. If you give any information to anyone it may be used against your will.