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.
- 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.
- Area codes can mislead.
- 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
- Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive
- Forward spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov
- 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.
