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Identity Theft Article - A Phisher Is Trying To Steal Your Identity! |
by:
Lisa Smith |
Identity Theft Article
A Phisher Is Trying To Steal Your Identity!
Sooner or later everyone withemail account will receivephishing attempt from some internet scammer. What is phishing? How can you protect yourself? These are some ofquestions this identity theft article will provide, along with some free resources and practical advice on how to protect your online identity.
The Anti-Phishing Working Group estimates that sevenfive million to onefivezero million phishing emails are sent every day oninternet. 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.
A spoofed email looks like it is fromlegitimate company, usually banks, credit card companies, paypal, ebay, etc. These fraudulent emails look like they are from“real” company, and generally try to get you to log into your account throughlinks inemail. The spoof email may state that there isproblem with your account and if you do not log in and update your information your account may be suspended, restricted, closed, etc. Generally these emails try to conveysense of urgency; if you don’t correct this problem your account will be suspended.
Trojans are increasingly being used asphishing technique according to Sophos,security firm. The Brizilian police recently arrestedphishing gang of oneeight people who stole $threesevenM from online banking accounts. This phishing gang would send out emails that included Trojans. OnceTrojan infects your computer, all internet activity can be monitored and transferred tophisher. This isserious threat as you probably won’t know that you are infected withTrojan.
According to David Jevans, Chairman of APWG, “Attacks can, and are, coming invariety of other flavors. Instant Messaging, exploited websites, PtwoP networks, and search engines are all being used to download and run key logging malcode and/or be directed to websites which may contain malcode or be fraudulent. Attackers are also not just interested in username and password access to bank accounts. Social security numbers, credit cards and other identity information are also being stolen.”
Protecting yourself against phishing scams.
• Do not give out personal or financial information throughemail request.
• Always log on to your sensitive accounts by openingnew browser and typingactual URL directly intoaddress bar. For example, if you receivesuspected phishing email from ebay, opennew browser and type www.ebay.com inbrowser bar.
• Do not click on any link insuspected phishing email.
• Only usesecure website to submit sensitive data. A secure sites’ address will begin with “https://” instead of “http://”
• Checkactivity of your online accounts regularly.
• Make sure your browser is up to date and all security patches are installed.
• Report phishing and spoof email to: reportphishing@antiphishing.com , spam@uce.gov, and forwardemail tocompany that is being spoofed.
• Keep your pc protected with updated anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, andfirewall.
You may also want to install anti-phishing software.
o Earthlink ScamBlocker isfree browser toolbar that alerts you to known phishing sites. It’s free and can be downloaded at www.earthlink.net/earthlinktoolbar.
o Webroot hasbeta version of PhishNet which you can download at www.webroot.com/products/phishnet/
o PC Tools Spyware Doctor offers protection against known phishing sites, spyware and blocks popups.
Withconsequences being identity theft, it is imperative that you learn to protect your pc and your identity by exercising caution and installingproper tools. Hopefully, this identity theft article has given youinformation you need to avoid beingnext phishing victim. Remember, legitimate companies don’t ask for personal or financial information inemail – so don’t give it to them!
Aboutauthor:
Lisa Smith iswebmaster of onestSpywareRemoval.com,website dedicated to helping people protect their online privacy. Subscribe to her free newsletter at http://www.onestSpywareRemoval.com
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