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