Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Phishing Scams

“Phishing,” a type of scam on the Internet, can be defined as the act of sending an e-mail to someone, falsely claiming to be a legitimate company in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The email directs the user to visit a Web site, usually by having them click on a link, and the user is asked to update personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, Social Security number and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The Web site, however, was set up only to steal the user’s information.
The following is a list of recommendations to help avoid becoming a victim of phishing scams and identity theft.

• Be suspicious of any e-mail with urgent requests for personal financial information.
• Don’t use the links in an e-mail to get any Web page. Instead, call the company on the telephone, or log on to the Web site directly by typing in the known Web address on your browser.
• Avoid filling out forms in e-mail messages that ask for personal financial information. You should only communicate information such as credit card numbers or account information via a secure Web site or the telephone.
• Always ensure that you’re using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your Web browser. To make sure you’re on a secure Web server, the beginning of the Web address in your browser's address bar should be https:// rather than just http://.
• Consider installing a Web browser tool bar to help protect you from known phishing fraud Web sites.
• Always report “phishing” or “spoofed” e-mails to the following groups:
  ◊ Forward the e-mail to reportphishing@antiphishing.com;
  ◊ Forward the e-mail to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov;
  ◊ Forward the e-mail to the “abuse” e-mail address at the company that is being spoofed;
  ◊ When forwarding spoofed messages, always include the entire original email with its original header information intact; and
  ◊ Notify the Internet Crime Complaint Center of the FBI by filing a complaint on their Web site: www.ic3.gov.
  

What To Do If You Are A Fraud Victim

• Report the theft of this information to the credit issuer as quickly as possible:
  ◊ Many companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.
• Cancel your account and open a new one.
• Review your billing statements carefully after the loss:
  ◊ If they show any unauthorized charges, it’s best to send a letter to the card issuer describing each questionable charge.
• Credit Card Loss or Fraudulent Charges (FCBA):
  ◊ Your maximum liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your credit card is $50.
  ◊ If the loss involves your credit card number, but not the card itself, you have no liability for unauthorized use.
• ATM or Debit Card Loss or Fraudulent Transfers (EFTA):
  ◊ Your liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your ATM or debit card depends on how quickly you report the loss.
  ◊ You risk unlimited loss if you fail to report an unauthorized transfer within 60 days after your financial statement containing your unauthorized use is mailed to you.
• Report the theft of this information to the credit union or bank as quickly as possible.

Helpful Fraud Links

www.fakechecks.org – Fake check scams could cost you thousands of dollars. Visit this Web site to get information on the current schemes, so you don’t fall victim to them.

www.ftc.gov/idtheft – This Web site is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.