Phishing Scams

Phishing is the act of sending fraudulent emails that seem to come from familiar businesses. These messages contain links to phony websites designed to steal personal information either directly or through malware and keyloggers. Often you’ll see a problem referenced with a request to click on the link provided to correct it. Once you’ve entered your information, ID thieves can access your accounts.

Vishing Scams

Vishing is the telephone version of phishing. Callers are sometime bold enough to suggest the victim call back to verify authenticity. But the vishers don’t actually hang up; instead they play a recorded dial town to make the victim believe he’s making a call.

Ways to protect yourself

• Install the latest editions of antispyware/antivirus, firewalls and browsers to all devices, and password-protect them. Furthermore, perform routine virus scans on your computer or laptop.
• Don’t open emails from unknown senders. Especially, don’t click on any links in unknown emails.
• Use strong passwords for all accounts and change them frequently.
• Don’t use public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions.
• Turn off Bluetooth and near field communication when not in use.
• Never share sensitive information with unsolicited callers or email senders
• To verify calls, hang up for at least one minute to insure the first call is disconnected.

Staying informed and adopting smart fraud prevention practices will go a long way toward protecting your identity.