Internet ID Protection

Protect yourself from the latest Internet theft scam:

Recently, fraudulent e-mails have directed computer users to Web sites which ask for verification of personal information.  This latest Internet scam, known as “phishing” (pronounced “fishing”), consists of sending an e-mail to a user, falsely claiming to be a legitimate company or government entity.  It tries to con users into revealing their names, account numbers, passwords, Social Security and credit card numbers – information that can later be used for identity theft.

Some e-mails appear to come from agencies like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and can be quite convincing.

But, do not take the bait!  Stay safe.  Follow these simple tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

¨       If you get an e-mail saying your account will be shut down unless you reconfirm billing information, do not reply or click on the link in the e-mail.  Contact the company citied in the e-mail, using a phone number or Web address you know is legitimate.

¨       Before submitting personal and financial information on a Web site, look for the “lock” icon on your browser’s status bar.  It means your information is secure during transmission.

¨       Protect credit and debit card numbers.  Check monthly statements immediately and report any suspicious activity to the FTC.

¨       Forward any suspicious e-mail to uce@FTC.gov.

If you believe you have been scammed, file a complaint at www.FTC.gov, then visit www.FTC.gov/IDTheft to learn how to minimize damage from identity theft.

Taking these few precautions can keep you from getting hooked by these criminal “phishermen.”