Internet Fraud: Beware Of Phony Anglers

Phishing has become a very popular term but what does it actually mean? Well, it's fairly simple: Some phony anglers put bait in muddy water and hope to catch a big phat phish: You that is. How does it work and what can you do to avoid the trap?

© Pinpoint Graphics

These criminal elements use bulk email to send out faked email messages. They pretend to be somebody else, for instance a well known bank institution. They try to lure you into clicking a link and filling out an email form (or should I say phorm?). They'll ask for your full name, social security number and credit card information. Before you even know, your identity will be stolen and used to purchase goods and even apply for credit and mortages in your name.

Here is what you can do, no – must do! Never ever follow a link in an email and fill out a form. Even if the link seems to be pointing to the correct spot: Don’t go there. It just looks real, but behind the scenes it guides you to some look-a-like website on a server somewhere outside your jurisdiction.

Reputable organizations will never ask you to provide sensitive personal information by email. For internet banking and other sensitive online operations, always open a new browser window and type the organization’s real domain name (the one that you know for sure) in the address field. Never follow a link in an email to a bank or any other financial institution.

Watch out. Don’t be the Phish that’s being caught today.

Previous Page Top Of Page Instant Contact Posted: Sep 17,2005 By: Henning Geiler