How Not To Get Hooked by a “Phishing” Scam

Some great information from OnGuard Online about phishing (scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims) and steps you can take to not get phished.

Here’s a brief overview. I recommend reading the full article.

1. If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And don’t click on the link in the message, either.
2. Area codes can mislead.
3. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
4. Don’t email personal or financial information.
5. Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them
6. Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive
7. Forward spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov
8. If you believe you’ve been scammed, file your complaint at ftc.gov, and then visit the FTC’s Identity Theft website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

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