Identity Theft Article ? A Phisher Is Trying To Steal Your Identity!

Sooner or later everyone with an email account will receive a phishing attempt from some internet scammer. What is phishing? How can you protect yourself? These are some of the questions this identity theft article will provide, along with some free resources and practical advice on how to protect your online identity.

The Anti-Phishing Working Group estimates that 75 million to 150 million phishing emails are sent every day on the internet. Phishing (pronounced fishing), is online identity theft that uses spoof emails, fraudulent websites and crimeware to trick unsuspecting internet users into providing financial data, credit card numbers, social security numbers, account logins and passwords, etc.

A spoofed email looks like it is from a legitimate company, usually banks, credit card companies, paypal, ebay, etc. These fraudulent emails look like they are from the "real" company, and generally try to get you to log into your account through the links in the email. The spoof email may state that there is a problem with your account and if you do not log in and update your information your account may be suspended, restricted, closed, etc. Generally these emails try to convey a sense of urgency; if you don't correct this problem your account will be suspended.

Trojans are increasingly being used as a phishing technique according to Sophos, a security firm. The Brizilian police recently arrested a phishing gang of 18 people who stole $37M from online banking accounts. This phishing gang would send out emails that included Trojans. Once a Trojan infects your computer, all internet activity can be monitored and transferred to the phisher. This is a serious threat as you probably won't know that you are infected with a Trojan.

According to David Jevans, Chairman of APWG, "Attacks can, and are, coming in a variety of other flavors. Instant Messaging, exploited websites, P2P networks, and search engines are all being used to download and run key logging malcode and/or be directed to websites which may contain malcode or be fraudulent. Attackers are also not just interested in username and password access to bank accounts. Social security numbers, credit cards and other identity information are also being stolen."

Protecting yourself against phishing scams.

? Do not give out personal or financial information through an email request.

? Always log on to your sensitive accounts by opening a new browser and typing the actual URL directly into the address bar. For example, if you receive a suspected phishing email from ebay, open a new browser and type www.ebay.com in the browser bar.

? Do not click on any link in a suspected phishing email.

? Only use a secure website to submit sensitive data. A secure sites' address will begin with "https://" instead of "http://"

? Check the activity of your online accounts regularly.

? Make sure your browser is up to date and all security patches are installed.

? Report phishing and spoof email to: reportphishing@antiphishing.com , spam@uce.gov, and forward the email to the company that is being spoofed.

? Keep your pc protected with updated anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a firewall.

? You may also want to install anti-phishing software.

o Earthlink ScamBlocker is a free browser toolbar that alerts you to known phishing sites. It's free and can be downloaded at www.earthlink.net/earthlinktoolbar.

o Webroot has a beta version of PhishNet which you can download at www.webroot.com/products/phishnet/

o PC Tools Spyware Doctor offers protection against known phishing sites, spyware and blocks popups.

With the consequences being identity theft, it is imperative that you learn to protect your pc and your identity by exercising caution and installing the proper tools. Hopefully, this identity theft article has given you the information you need to avoid being the next phishing victim. Remember, legitimate companies don't ask for personal or financial information in an email ? so don't give it to them!

Lisa Smith is the webmaster of 1stSpywareRemoval.com This website offers information on spyware, adware, internet safety, indepth reviews, and news.

---

A Basic Introduction To Spyware

Spyware is the most troublesome software to appear on the... Read More

Mail Forwarding - Why Would You Do It?

First of all we need to get some terms stated.... Read More

Fishing for Fortunes. Scam!

Spelt phishing, but pronounced as above, this despicable act is... Read More

Money Mule Email Scam Hits U.S.

Imagine this ? you open up your email box and... Read More

8 Surefire Ways to Spot an EBAY Scam E-Mail and Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Ebay is a great site and is used by many... Read More

3 Things You Must Know About Spyware

1)Spyware is on your system. Like it or not, statistically... Read More

Five Excellent Indie Encryption And Security Solutions You Have Not Heard About

Geek SuperheroGeek Superhero watches your computer for changes, immediately notifying... Read More

Information Security for E-businessmen: Just a Couple of Ideas

If you constantly deal with bank or electronic accounts, it... Read More

How to Prevent Online Identity Theft

Identity theft rates one of the fastest growing crimes in... Read More

Viruses, Trojans, and Spyware - Oh My!

Have you ever had to call Symantec or McAfee to... Read More

Securing Your Accounts With Well-Crafted Passwords

In the past I've never really paid much attention to... Read More

Computer Viruses - How to Remove a Computer Virus from Your Computer

Computer viruses infect millions of computers every day. Viruses can... Read More

IPv6 - Next Step In IP Security

IPv6, IntroductionThe high rate at wich the internet continualy evolves... Read More

Identity Theft Offline -- So Many Possibilities

Chris Simpson, head of Scotland Yard's computer crime unit was... Read More

Hacked: Who Else Is Using Your Computer?

A friend called me one day and asked if I... Read More

Spyware Programs Are Out To Get You!

The average computer is packed with hidden software that can... Read More

Phishing

Recently I have received email from my bank/credit Card Company,... Read More

Identity Theft ? Beware of Phishing Attacks!

"Dear Bank of the West customer", the message begins. I've... Read More

Securities

NETWORK SECURITIES: IMPORTANCE OF SECURITIESComputers and securities must form a... Read More

Cyber Crooks Go Phishing

"Phishing," the latest craze among online evil-doers, has nothing to... Read More

The Importance of Protecting Your PC from Viruses and Spam

Today the internet is a mine field of malicious code... Read More

Phishing - A High Tech Identity Theft With A Low Tech Solution

Have you ever got an email asking you to confirm... Read More

How to Fight Spyware

If you are wondering how to fight spyware for safe... Read More

Virus Nightmare..Lessons Learned

I got a virus the other day, Thursday I believe... Read More

Why Malicious Programs Spread So Quickly?

It seems that nowadays cybercriminals prefer cash to fun. That... Read More

Lottery Scam, What It is and how to Avoid It?

Internet scams and frauds are on the rise! The quantity... Read More

Virus Prevention 101

Blaster, Welchia, Sobig, W32, Backdoor, Trojan, Melissa, Klez, Worm, Loveletter,... Read More

Watching the Watchers: Detection and Removal of Spyware

If spyware were a person and he set himself up... Read More

Protecting Your Home Both Inside and Out

If you are a parent, you have probably wondered at... Read More

The 5 Critical Steps to Protecting Your Computer on the Internet

Spyware, viruses and worms... oh my!If you are connected to... Read More

Free Spyware Removal - Its Not As Easy As It Sounds

Nobody wants to pay to remove spyware. At the very... Read More

Make Money Online - Latest Scam Disclosed

Before we start, I want to make it clear that... Read More

How Did This Happen to Me? Top 10 Ways to Get Spyware or Viruses on Your Computer

If you use the internet, you have probably been infected... Read More