Identity Theft via Email and Phishing

This e-mail fraud method is intended to get people to disclose their account information and has grown to great numbers recently.
The common name for this fraud and scheme is called phishing. What usually happens with this, is the email will say it is from a bank or financial institution, the user doesn’t realize it and clicks the link, trying to log in using their requested info. Now they have given the scammers all their important data such as passwords, credit cards, or even social security numbers.
It has been said that at the time of this article, there are over 410 active phishing sites active on the net. And more are added daily.
Many people fall victim to these schemes, mainly because they use many combinations and ploys.
As soon as the ‘Phishers’ get the info and data they want, they will begin to purchase items write bad checks and even withdraw money from your account. Depending on other data you have divulged they can even get new credit cards or buy a car.
Phishing, leads to identity theft and it is known as a two-part crime.
Almost all of these phishing and scheming networks operate overseas. This makes prosecution or even reimbursement virtually impossible. As soon as you suspect you have been scammed, contact your bank and all appropriate agencies to begin closing your accounts, etc.

Posted in Internet on Wednesday 23rd of July 2008 06:37:06 PM