Email Scams - Ten Simple Steps To
Avoiding Them
by: Lisa Smith
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.
1. Do not give out personal or financial information through
an email request.
2. 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.
3. Do not click on any link in a suspected phishing email.
4. Do not open any attachments in a suspected email scam.
5. Only use a secure website to submit sensitive data. A
secure sites' address will begin with https:// instead of
http://
6. Check the activity of your online accounts regularly and
check for fraudulent activity.
7. Make sure your browser is up to date and all security
patches are installed.
8. Report phishing and spoof email to: reportphishing@antiphishing.com
, spam@uce.gov, and forward the email to the company that
is being spoofed.
9. Keep your PC protected with updated anti-virus software,
anti-spyware software, and a firewall.
10. 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.
About The Author
Lisa Smith makes it easy to increase your online privacy
in her newest book, "Internet Safety Tips & Resource
Guide. How To Increase Your Online Privacy and Security."
To download a free copy and have free internet safety &
security articles e-mailed to you every month visit: http://www.1stspywareremoval.com/Email_Scams.html.
Back To Articles Page
|
