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Phishing
Phishing is a type of information collection scheme that targets users with online accounts (e.g., banking, PayPal).
Phishers use the information to steal your identity for monetary gain. Phishing typically comes as an e-mail or instant message disguised as coupons, special offers, electronic greeting cards, account notices, etc.
How to Spot a Phishing Scam
- The sender is unknown
If you don’t know the sender, don’t open any attachments or click on any links. - Email contains anonymous greeting
Phishing emails will not usually use your name in the greeting (e.g., “Dear Valued Customer”). - Email asks for personal information
Sender requests an account number or password, or for you to verify information about your account. - Email has an urgent warning
Urgent tone attempts to scare you into responding without thinking (e.g., by sending information or money or by clicking on a link). - Message is poorly written
Message contains ALL CAPS, spelling and grammar errors, or writing is fragmented.
Steps to avoid being phished
- Never respond to emails or pop-up messages that request personal or financial information
- Be cautious about opening attachments or downloading files from emails you receive
- Never respond to spam messages or click an unsubscribe link in a spam message
- Visit banks' websites by typing the URL into the address bar
- Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and keep them updated
- Monitor your credit card and bank accounts regularly
- Confirm that the website you are visiting is secure (URL begins with "https://" and site has a padlock icon in the browser window)
Get more tips from OnGuardOnline.gov
For more information about phishing go to: www.antiphishing.org

