Phishing Fraud
Email schemes, called “phishing” or “carding”, are an
attempt to trick consumers into disclosing personal and/or financial
information. The emails appear to come from companies with whom consumers may
regularly conduct business (e.g., AOL, Earthlink, Paypal, eBay, or a credit
card issuer). Often times the email threatens termination of accounts unless
consumers update billing information.
Many of these email schemes contain links to “look-alike” websites that are
loaded with actual trademarked images. The websites then instruct consumers
to “reenter” their credit card numbers, social security numbers, bank PINs, or
other personal information. If consumers actually provide the information
requested, the data goes to scammers, not the legitimate company whose name is
on the site. Thereafter, the data is often used to order goods or services
and/or to obtain credit in the name of the consumer.
Caution should always be used when receiving any unsolicited communication
requesting personal information. We offer the following tips for people that
receive emails as described above:
- Be skeptical of warnings that accounts will be shut
down with little or no notice if you don’t reconfirm your billing
information.
- Don’t click on the link -- contact the company
directly using a telephone number or a website address you know is real.
- Look at the “address bar” at the top of the browser –
not just the pictures on a web page – it is often a different domain name
than the firm being represented in the email or webpage.
- When submitting financial information on any website,
look for the “lock” icon on the browser's status bar to be sure your
information is secure during transmission.
- Avoid sending personal and/or financial information
via email whenever possible.
- If you’ve given person information, consider the following:
- Carefully check credit card and bank statements for
unauthorized charges each month.
- Contact the fraud departments of each of the three
major credit bureaus and report that sensitive financial information has
been compromised. Ask that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file and that
no new credit be granted without your approval.
- If your financial accounts have been fraudulently
accessed or opened, contact each company’s security department. Close these
accounts. Put passwords (not your mother’s maiden name) on any new accounts
you open.
- If your financial information is used for illicit
purposes, file a report with your local police or the police where the
identity theft took place and get a copy of the report.
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