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Phishing

Phishing is a crime, a cyber crime, in which hackers try to get user to give out important information by fake or spoof emails, software, programs and websites.( Phishing – Bella online.)
“Fraud artists” (hackers with experience in cyber crimes) might send millions of fraud emails appearing to be from websites that you know. Some advanced ‘phishing’ emails even have links to real websites or fake websites which look exactly like the real one. (recognize phishing scams..)
You can be a victim of Phishing by fraudulent emails. (What is phishing)

To avoid getting hooked (being a victim of a phishing):

*  Don’t reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don’t click on links in the message. Don’t cut and paste a link from the message into your Web browser — phishers can make links look like they go one place, but that actually send you to a different site.

* Some scanners send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a “refund.” Because they use Voice over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scanners really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.

* Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.

* Don’t email personal or financial information.

* Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges.

* Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.

* Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.

* If you’ve been scammed, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft. (Phishing – onguard online)

Work Cited

“Phishing – OnGuard Online.” 8 Dec 2008 <http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/phishing.aspx>.

“Phishing – Virus and Spam.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/7483.asp>.

“Recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mails.” 8 Dec 2008 <http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/phishing.mspx?ifs=0>.

“What is phishing? – a definition from Whatis.com – see also: phish, carding, phisher, fishing, brand spoof, brand spoofing.” 8 Dec 2008 <http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid14_gci916037,00.html>.