Beware of Phishing Scams

Con-men have been tricking people out of their money for thousands of years, and impersonating someone else is nothing new. Email, Web pages, and Chat programs just make it easier to trick people out of their money. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.

Online con-men use Email, Web pages, and Chat programs to trick people into providing them with private and confidential information (such as credit card information and date of birth, etc...). They can use this information to make unauthorized charges to your credit cards or use your identity to take out loans in your name. Such "phishing" scams often come as official looking Email that appear to have come from your bank, credit card company, eBay or PayPal, etc. The Email usually says that there is something wrong with your account or that they need to verify your information. These messages have been forged and are fraudulent. Your bank, credit card company, eBay or PayPal will not contact you by Email to verify your information or inform you that you have a problem with your account. You should just delete these messages; never reply to them and never follow their instructions. If you need to contact your bank or credit card company, call the phone number that is printed on your monthly statement.

Phishing scams can also be done over the telephone or through online Chat programs. Never provide your confidential information to anyone unless YOU contacted THEM and you are certain of who you are talking to.

There are thousands of different scam techniques. You should always be on your guard and you MUST always be very protective of your confidential information.