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October 06, 2004
Federal Trade Commission Offers Advice on Phishing Scams
The Federal Trade Commission has issued a consumer alert on "how to not get hooked by a phishing scam." The FTC defines "phishing" as "a high-tech scam that uses spam or pop-up messages to deceive you into disclosing your credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information."
In the alert, the government agency warns citizens to be suspicious of emails or pop-up messages that look to be from a company you do business with. The types of businesses that may be impersonated by criminals looking to steal your personal information includines ISPs, banks, online banking or payment services, or even a US government agency.
The FTC warns that criminals duplicate official websites that look like the website of your bank or Internet service provider and then send out emails or pop-up ads that invite you to enter your personal information, many times for "verification" purposes.
For the complete "phishing scam" consumer alert, visit the Federal Trade Commission Website.
Posted by savsb at October 6, 2004 07:07 PM