Phishing (pronounced fishing), is online identity theft that uses spoof emails, fraudulent websites and crimeware to trick unsuspecting internet users into providing financial data, credit card numbers, social security numbers, account logins and passwords, etc.
These email scams (spoof email) mimic legitimate companies such as banks, credit card companies, investing companies, paypal, ebay, etc. These fraudulent emails look like they are from the "real" company; many even include the real company's logo. Generally these emails try to convey a sense of urgency; if you don't correct this problem your account will be suspended.
The spoof email may state that there is a problem with your account and if you do not log in and update your information your account may be suspended, restricted, terminated, or something similar. They may also request user name, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.
Protecting yourself against phishing and email scams.
1. Do not give out personal or financial information through an email request.
2. Always log on to your sensitive accounts by opening a new browser and typing the actual URL directly into the address bar. For example, if you receive a suspected phishing email from ebay, open a new browser and type "www.ebay.com" in the browser bar.
3. Do not click on any link in a suspected phishing email.
4. Do not open any attachments in a suspected email scam.
5. Only use a secure website to submit sensitive data. A secure sites' address will begin with https:// instead of http://
6. Check the activity of your online accounts regularly and check for fraudulent activity.
7. Make sure your browser is up to date and all security patches are installed.
8. Report phishing and spoof email to: reportphishing@antiphishing.com , spam@uce.gov, and forward the email to the company that is being spoofed.
9. Keep your PC protected with updated anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a firewall.
10. You may want to install an anti-phishing toolbar such as Earthlink ScamBlocker which alerts you before you visit a known fraudulent website. It's free and can be downloaded at http://www.earthlink.net/earthlinktoolbar
Read more on
http://myfreeinfo4u.com/finance/email_scams_ten_simple_steps_to_protecting_your_online_finances.html
Related Articles
Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance - Should I, Shouldn't I?
By: Jas | 19/03/2008 | Finance
It is a common financial scenario across households in the Western world. Multiple debts have started to build up: a car loan here, a department store loan there; a bank loan here and several credit cards there.
Buying a Spanish Property - How Do You Finance It?
By: Jas | 19/03/2008 | Real Estate
Once you have decided on the home you wish to buy you need to know how to finance it. There are several ways in which you can do this. If you are lucky enough to have the cash in the bank then you don't need to worry about the actual financing of it - however take a look at the section on exchanging your money as this could save you a lot of money. If you don't have the finances readily available how do you finance the property?
Credit Card Hazards That Can Cripple Your Finances
By: Jas | 19/03/2008 | Finance
You are pre-approved! Every time I check my mail there is at least one or two pre-approved credit card applications. You get them too, I'm sure. You can even have terrible credit and they still continue to flood your mailbox. And if you just filed bankruptcy you will get more of them than you know what to do with!
Family Finance Beyond Rrsps
By: Jas | 19/03/2008 | Finance
Congratulations, you have contributed the maximum amount to your RRSP. So now what?
Florida Refinance - Refinancing in Florida
By: Jas | 20/03/2008 | Finance
The decision to buy a home in Florida can be one of the best you will ever make. If you own a home in Florida you may be considering refinancing. Refinancing now can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the length of your mortgage. Florida lenders are offering low interest rates and could save you thousands of dollars over the length of your loan.
Bad Credit Mortgage Refinancing - Refinance High Interest Mortgage With Poor Credit
By: Jas | 19/03/2008 | Finance
With bad credit, you can't afford not to refinance a high interest mortgage. Working with the right lender, you can trim your loan costs and help your monthly budget.
California Refinance - Refinancing in California
By: Jas | 19/03/2008 | Finance
The real estate market in California is booming. Home values continue to appreciate almost on a daily basis. Refinancing your home is an excellent way to take advantage of the low interest rates currently being offered by California lenders.
Credit Report Scores - Why it is Important for Your Finances
By: Jas | 19/03/2008 | Finance
The airwaves these days seem to be full of advertisements for consumers to obtain their credit reports and also apply for credit cards. Apart from encouraging consumers to obtain their credit reports, consumers are not told and do not fully understand why it is that important.
Latest Finance Articles
Investment Advice, UK
By: Sean Horton | 24/07/2008
Investment is about risk. While the extent of financial risk any one of us is prepared to take is very much a personal issue, we are fortunate in the UK of having a network of Independent Financial Advisers to consult and to help us consider whether or not to invest...
Could Keyman Insurance Save Your Business?
By: Sean Horton | 24/07/2008
There is a well-worn saying that no one is indispensable. Perhaps not indispensable, but it is equally true that the role of a key player in many a small business can spell make or break in its fortunes. The loss of that "keyman" is therefore something to which every business...
Corporate Financial Advice For Your Business Too
By: Sean Horton | 24/07/2008
There is probably a tendency to think of the Independent Financial Adviser offering help and advice only in the area of personal finances. But the role is not restricted just to the individual. Increasingly, the adviser is being called in for corporate financial advice to assist small and medium-sized businesses...
Company Pensions in a Nutshell
By: Sean Horton | 24/07/2008
Company pensions are an invaluable part of employees' remuneration packages. They are a central incentive and motivation to staff and an important part, therefore, for successful retention and recruitment. This importance is recognised by the Independent Financial Advisers who help and advise employees and companies alike on the benefits of...
Managed Funds or Shares?
By: Richard Greenwood | 24/07/2008
The stock market provides unlimited investment opportunities. But what is the best way to manage your investments - trading direct buying your own stocks and shares or investing into a managed fund which is looked after by a funds manager. This article looks at the pro's and con's of each.
More Safety Tips About Online Money Transfer
By: Sivakorn Siricharoensataporn | 24/07/2008
As geographical boundaries are becoming blurred by each passing day, there is need for online money transfer around the world.
The Advantages Of Secured Loans Over Unsecured Loans
By: James Copper | 24/07/2008
An article giving good information on different types of finance
Steps To Financial Freedom: Paying For A Financial Planner
By: Michael Laleye | 24/07/2008
Finally the truth is that you're better off spending 15 minutes going over your taxes to make sure they're done right, and...
More from Jas
Foster Home Uses Pay Option Mortgage Loan for California Refinance
By: Jas | 20/03/2008 | Finance
“We recently received an application from Angela P. who needed to refinance her California home. While finding out her specific goals for the refinance I learned that she was a foster mom and cared for multiple "crack" babies that had been taken away from their mothers at birth because of testing positive for an illegal substance during labor.
Florida Refinance - Refinancing in Florida
By: Jas | 20/03/2008 | Finance
The decision to buy a home in Florida can be one of the best you will ever make. If you own a home in Florida you may be considering refinancing. Refinancing now can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the length of your mortgage. Florida lenders are offering low interest rates and could save you thousands of dollars over the length of your loan.
Five Tips to Slash Your Home Finance Costs
By: Jas | 20/03/2008 | Finance
It's no wonder that the majority of homeowners dream of one day being able to pay off their home loan and live a life free from the shackles of interest rates, home finance and worries about meeting the monthly mortgage payments because the largest expense the majority of us take on in a lifetime is our mortgage and each month our home finance payments take a substantial chunk out of our take home pay.
Finding the Right Time to Refinance a Loan
By: Jas | 20/03/2008 | Finance
If you've been thinking about refinancing a loan, you might wonder whether or not right now is the best time to do so.
Finding the Best Mortgage Refinance Rate
By: Jas | 20/03/2008 | Finance
You may have become used to the monthly house payment that you make. But for many of us refinancing our homes is a great way to save money, lower the house payment, and unlock some of the equity already built change such as refinancing in the house.
Finding a Mortgage Refinance Advisor
By: Jas | 20/03/2008 | Finance
If you are looking to refinance your home for a lower rate, or you are interested in a refinance with cash out to do some home repairs, buy a new car, etc., you may want to consider finding a mortgage refinance advisor.
Finances for the Freelancer
By: Jas | 20/03/2008 | Finance
Budgeting and financial planning are great ideas, but how in the world do you budget or plan when you don't know from one month to the next how much money you're going to earn? You have months at a time when you earn very little money, and then during the prosperous months you're busy playing financial catch-up - and then comes another tough time.
Finance Your Small Business: so Much Money – so Little Time
By: Jas | 20/03/2008 | Finance
$47.4 million venture capital funded projects today. $86.4 million yesterday. $51.4 million the day before.
Finance 
