When you arm yourself with information and resources, you're wiser about computer security threats and less vulnerable to phishing scam tactics. Legitimate emails from banks and credit card companies will often include partial account numbers, username or password. Lack of a personal greeting or customized information within a message.Misspelled URLs, spelling mistakes or the use of sub-domains.Emotional language using scare tactics or urgent requests to respond.Requests for confidential information via email or instant message.It can be hard to tell the difference, but you may be dealing with a phishing scam if you see the following: Their messages may sound genuine and their sites can look remarkably like the real thing. Phishers often pretend to be legitimate companies. Phishers can only find you if you respond. Phishing scams often lure you with spam email and instant messages requesting you to "verify your account" or "confirm your billing address" through what is actually a malicious Web site. This style of identity theft is extremely widespread because of the ease with which unsuspecting people share personal information. Sell your information to other parties who will use it for illicit or illegal purposes.Use and abuse your Social Security number.Add themselves or an alias that they control as an authorized user so it's easier to use your credit.Request new account Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or additional credit cards.Steal your money and open credit card and bank accounts in your name.
If you’ve responded to a phishing scam, the attacker can possibly:
Learn 11 ways hackers are angling for your data and how to protect yourself in this guide. Once you take the phisher's bait, they can use the information to create fake accounts in your name, ruin your credit, and steal your money or even your identity. They use spam, fake websites constructed to look identical to real sites, email and instant messages to trick you into divulging sensitive information, like bank account passwords and credit card numbers. Email Phishing scams are carried out online by tech-savvy con artists and identity theft criminals.