Avoiding Phishing Schemes
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Recently Updated:
August 29, 2008 1:27 PM
The following are some tips to help you steer clear of phishing schemes:
- If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply or click the link in the message. Legitimate companies do not ask for this information in email.
- Never disclose personal or financial information in email. Email is not a secure method of transmitting sensitive information.
- Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to determine if you have any unauthorized charges.
- Use anti-virus software and keep it up to date. Some phishing email messages contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge.
- Be cautious when opening any attachment or downloading any files from email messages you receive, regardless of who appears to have sent them.
- Report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, file your complaint at www.ftc.gov.