Ever get a popup message on your home or work computer telling you your computer is infected with a virus and you have to click here to purchase software to remove it? So you worry, then click, and purchase it right? Wrong! This tactic is becoming more common. These popups are known as “scareware” because the people distributing it are trying to scare you into buying it. It is one of a number of different types of threats against computers and users.
The most common threats to you and your computer fall into three categories: viruses, adware/spyware, and phishing.
“Phishing” – Part 3 of 3
Congratulations! You have won the (insert country name of your choosing here) National Lottery! Just provide your credit card information to cover the $ (insert random dollar amount here) processing fee so we can forward the full prize amount of $ (insert a number with a few commas in it) to you!!!
You did NOT win the lottery!
Hi! It’s me. I’m stuck in (insert country name of your choosing here). We lost our credit cards during our trip and I was hoping you could send us some money so we can check out of the hotel and catch our flight back home.
This e-mail is NOT from your friend!
This is (insert name of large bank or credit card company here). Due to a recent security breach, we are in the process of reassigning all passwords to our accounts. Please visit this website (or respond to this e-mail) and provide your account number, password, social security number and date of birth so we can verify your identity and issue you a new password (PIN).
Banks and other financial institutions do NOT request this type of information from their customers because they already have it.
“Phishing” is the act of sending an e-mail that fraudulently represents a legitimate company or somebody you know and “lures” you into divulging personal and financial information that could then be used for identity theft. This used to be done by phone or even by good old snail mail.
Your best line of defense against phishing is to not be lured. Unfortunately, thieves use creative tactics to trick you into providing your personal information so they can steal your identity or credit card information. Here are a few tips to help you recognize and avoid phishing scams.
Do not reply to any e-mail that instructs you to provide any piece of personal information directly into the e-mail (or directs you to a web site to do the same thing), such as:
- An urgent notice that your account will be closed or suspended if you do not provide personal information
- A survey that asks you to enter personal information
- An urgent notice that your account has been compromised and asks you to confirm your account information
- An e-mail that directs you to a non-secure webpage (http://) and asks you to enter your username, password or account numbers
- An e-mail that asks you to confirm, verify, or refresh your account, credit card, or billing information.
- “Dear Borrower” (no customized salutation; this is a mass mailing of a phishing e-mail) e-mails.
- An e-mail stating “There Is a Problem With Your Account. Confirm your account number…”
- E-mail stating “You Just Won a $100 Gift Certificate. Provide your name, address, loan number.”
Phishing Avoidance:
- Double-check the internet address in your browser.
- The safe way to visit a website is by typing in the address you know to be authentic.
- Do not click on emails from unknown senders.
- Use caution when entering personal information including your account number, login name and especially credit card information and your social security number.
- Regularly review your online accounts to ensure no fraudulent activity has taken place. If anything suspicious appears, contact your bank or service provider immediately.
- Do not share your password and user IDs with anybody.
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