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According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG)
email scams also known as phishing attacks claim more
than 2,000 victims each day from more than 75 million
phishing emails that are sent each day. The APWG also
claims that these email scams steal close to $1 billion
a year from its victims.
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.
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Do not give out personal or financial information through an email request.
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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.
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Do not click on any link in a suspected phishing
email.
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Do not open any attachments in a suspected email scam.
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Only use a secure website to submit sensitive data. A secure sites’ address will begin with https:// instead of http://
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Check the activity of your online accounts regularly and check for fraudulent activity.
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Make sure your browser is up to date and all security patches are installed.
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Report phishing and spoof email to:
reportphishing@antiphishing.com , spam@uce.gov, and
forward the email to the company that is being spoofed.
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Keep your PC protected with updated anti-virus
software, anti-spyware software, and a firewall.
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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
As email scams are on the rise and with the
consequences being identity theft, it is important that
you increase your awareness and learn to protect
yourself from these fraudulent attacks. With more than
75 million phishing emails being sent every day it's
only a matter of time before you receive one. By
following the above tips you will protect yourself from
many email scams and the possible financial
consequences.
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