What is phishing? Phishing is when an internet fraudster impersonates a business to trick you into giving them your personal information. They try to go "fishing" after your identity, hoping they get a bite on the bait and hook you. Then they reel in your information and create financial havoc in your life. And the bait looks real!
For example: "An unauthorized transaction appears to be on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below to confirm your identity," or "We couldn't verify your information as intended. Please click here to complete the verification process," or “Our records indicate that your account was compromised or overcharged. Please call us to receive a full refund.”
Once they get you on the phone, the scammers sound pleasant and professional to trick you and steal your info - and too many people hand it over to them. Once they have your personal info, the scammers can buy stuff or even commit crimes in your name. So how do you know who is real and legit?
Remember... any legitimate business does not ask for your personal information via email or text. Never email personal or financial info! If you're uncertain, call up your credit card company, or go to your company's or bank's website and communicate your concerns. If there is an issue, they will tell you directly, but understand, usually it is nothing. It is just a phisherman going phishing for phish. And the "phish" is your personal information! Don't take the bait... forward any phishing emails to spam@uce.gov and to your credit card company or bank.
For example: "An unauthorized transaction appears to be on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below to confirm your identity," or "We couldn't verify your information as intended. Please click here to complete the verification process," or “Our records indicate that your account was compromised or overcharged. Please call us to receive a full refund.”
Once they get you on the phone, the scammers sound pleasant and professional to trick you and steal your info - and too many people hand it over to them. Once they have your personal info, the scammers can buy stuff or even commit crimes in your name. So how do you know who is real and legit?
Remember... any legitimate business does not ask for your personal information via email or text. Never email personal or financial info! If you're uncertain, call up your credit card company, or go to your company's or bank's website and communicate your concerns. If there is an issue, they will tell you directly, but understand, usually it is nothing. It is just a phisherman going phishing for phish. And the "phish" is your personal information! Don't take the bait... forward any phishing emails to spam@uce.gov and to your credit card company or bank.
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