Avoid phishing scams

August 9, 7:15 PMSF Cybercrime ExaminerKaren Lodrick

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Phishing has been around a while now and I’m sure almost all of us have heard the term.

Phishing is email scams that try to get you to divulge your personal information; such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, date of birth, etc to steal your money or identity.

They are getting more sophisticated by sending scam emails that look like they are from your bank, a government agency, or another well-known/reputable company. So it’s good to know what you can do to avoid falling prey.

Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal information

Don't use suspicious links in an email, instant message, or chat

Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal information

Always ensure that you're using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information. Get in the habit of looking at the address/URL.

Consider installing a Web browser tool bar to help protect you from known fraudulent websites. These toolbars match where you are going with lists of known phisher Web sites and will alert you.

- Internet Explorer version 7

- FireFox version 2

- EarthLink ScamBlocker – download at http://www.earthlink.net/earthlinktoolbar

Ensure that your browser is up to date and security patches applied

Have ANTI-SPYWARE on your computer, keep it updated.

Help by reporting "phishing" e-mails, forward the emails to:

1. reportphishing@antiphishing.org

2. The Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov

3. The company that is being spoofed

4. The Internet Crime Complaint Center of the FBI by filing a complaint: www.ic3.gov/