Phishing

From Senior Planet Resource Exchange

[edit] Overview

Phishing is a process of attempting to steal sensitive information (such as credit card numbers or passwords) by pretending to be a credible organization (such as a bank or credit card company). Phishing can be done through email or a website. The goal of phishing is to try to get you to provide personal information.

Phishing can also be conducted over the phone. A person impersonating an employee of an organization may ask you for personal information. Make sure you get the caller's identity, the organization he/she works for, the address and phone number of that organization. You can then verify these things by calling the company directly.

Banks and credit card companies will never ask you to verify information or follow a link through an email. So if you get an email asking you to provide information, chances are it is someone phishing for personal information.

[edit] What to Look Out For

• Do Not click on anything in a phishing email. If you do need to click on a link move your cursor over the link and check the status bar at the bottom of your browser. This will show you the address of the link.
• Do Not reply to phishing emails. Delete them or mark them as spam.

[edit] Protect Yourself

If you are ever unsure about an email do not click on anything in the email and do not reply to it. If you think the email might be the real deal then call that organization to confirm or go to their website directly.

To keep yourself safe remember to protect your computer with firewalls, spam filters, and anti-virus programs. And don't forget to keep them up to date.

Use common sense. If you do not feel comfortable giving out information over the internet or phone then don't.

[edit] What to do if You are a Victim of Phishing

• If you gave out personal information notify the companies involved immediately.
• Even if you haven't been a victim, report phishing to the company or agency being impersonated.

[edit] Telemarketers

Older adults are often targeted by telemarketers. Knowing how to handle dishonest or unwanted telemarketers can help make your life easier and make it less likely for you to be a victim of a scam. Here are a few things you should know:

• Register for the National Do Not Call Registry to stop unwanted phone calls.
• Even if you are on the Do Not Call Registry some companies can illegally obtain your phone number, so be suspicious of calls from telemarketers.
• If you do receive an unwanted call from a telemarketer tell them that you wish to be removed from their calling list. They are legally obligated to remove you from their list.
• If you are unsure of whether to conduct business with a company over the phone research the company. Find out their address and telephone number that you can contact them through. Proceed with caution.
• If you are still getting unwanted calls after asking to be removed from a call list you can File a Complaint with the National Do Not Call Registry
• Don't forget to add your cell phone to the Registry!
• For more information read AARP's article on How to Stop Dishonest Telemarketers OR read Cold Calling: Knowing Your Rights put out by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

[edit] More Information

For more information on phishing and keeping your information safe online check out these articles and sites:

• Avoid Getting "Hooked" By Phishers"
• Phishing Facts
• The Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Website provides information on identity theft and what to do if your identity has been stolen.
• Recognizing Phishing Scams and Fraudulent Email. This article by Microsoft breaks down phishing and shows examples of what phishing emails and websites may look like.
• Antiphishing.org provides current information about phishing as well as resources, education, and news.