Internet identity thieves are persistent in trying to get your personal information. Sometimes they use bold moves such as hacking into a company website and stealing it. There are also more subtle ways, which are unfortunately quite successful. These include tricking you into giving it to them yourself, usually through an official-looking email or website.
Don’t respond to emails that ask for confidential information such as a credit card number, bank account number or password. Identity thieves send emails designed to look like they are from your bank, usually with an urgent message regarding account security. If your bank needed to contact you, they would leave a phone message with a verifiable phone number.
Don’t respond to any emails that refer to a supposed problem with your account, or asking you to verify information via email. A bank or credit card company will never ask for your account password, nor will they ask you to send your account number through email. These emails look real because they feature the bank’s logo, but they are high-quality fakes. It’s best to delete these emails without opening them.
Never click on a link in an email. These links will take to you a fake website to get you to enter your information there. If you think there is a problem with your account, always type the URL in your browser yourself. This is the only way to make sure you are going to the real site.
Many sites let you choose a security phrase or image to display. Because you choose the image yourself, a spoofed site will never display this image. Be sure it displays each time you sign into the site.
Many spoofed sites and emails are so well done they almost fool the experts. When in doubt, call the number on the back of your card to verify the status of your account.
********************************************************
No comments:
Post a Comment