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Phishing Still the Hottest Scam Going

3/01/2010
The best way to protect yourself against these kinds of fraud is to take these five steps:

Be careful when shopping online.  While storing your credit card into at your favorite shopping sites may be convenient, it isn't necessarily safe.  It's better to type in your password and credit card into each time you make a purchase.

Run and update your antivirus software frequently.  And if you don't have one already, install a firewall.

Don't use links in an e-mail or chat window to visit a web page.  Instead, type the company's web address in your browser or call them on the phone.

NEVER fill out forms within e-mail messages that request financial information, such as credit card or account numbers.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is!  The reason many scams work is that they prey on the emotions of the recipient.  E-mails promising aid to the disadvantaged or wealth to the recipient are particularly effective because they hit you while your guard is down.  Before you respond to such pleas, take a moment to consider the veracity of the claim.  If you have doubts, investigate the organization further online or better yet, trash the e-mail.