High tech Criminals are into 'phishing' or 'pharming'

Criminals have come up with a new, high-tech way to steal your credit card numbers, passwords and other vital

information. It's called 'phishing' or 'pharming' and here's how it works:
An email is designed to look like it's coming from a well-known and respected Web site, such as Paypal. The

email states that there's a problem with your account and tells you to click on a link within the email to update your

customer information. When you click on the link, you're taken to a fake Web page, that's designed to look just like

the official site. Any information you enter goes directly to the criminals who set it up.

It's a confusing and often convincing scam, but there are ways for you to spot a fake and protect yourself,

fortunately.

Where does the link take you? look at the bottomline on your webbrower see the link address URL The links in

fake emails rarely show you the actual Web address - they'll usually hide the address under a phrase like "Click

NoW" or "Log on". The major corporations will not include any links to a 'log in' page. Instead provide instructions

on how to go to their home page and log in directly from there. They may however, include links to pages with

information and special offers for your convenience. But remember - if the link doesn't look right, don't click it!


Does the email ask you for information? Many fake emails will ask you to reply with personal information or to fill in

the form provided within the email. eBay or Paypal will never ask you to provide personal information over email.

Beware of any email that asks you to provide:
Credit or debit card numbers Driver's License numbers Passwords
Bank account numbers Social Security numbers Your full name
Birthdate Email addresses

Toss it in the trash where it belongs

You can ask is the Web page secure? If at any time you're asked to give personal information on a Web page, the

Web address should begin with "https:". The "s" stands for "secure" and is your guarantee that your information is

protected. Like shopping cart webssites, pages that require personal information are secure and the address in

your browser will begin with "https".

You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting personal information. Here are some other things to look

out for:


Is the email addressed to you personally? Many phishers send fake emails that use generic greetings, such as

"Dear Customer" or "Dear Sir/Madam." Official emails are personalized with the name you gave when you

registered.


Does the email read well? Fake emails are often littered with misspellings, poor grammar, etc. These intentional

mistakes actually help them sidestep the spam filters, but they should be a dead give-away that they are not from the real Brand Corporation. All their emails are written with care and proofread by industry professionals.


Is the page a 'pop-up'? Fake emails and Web sites sometimes use pop-up windows to collect information. Pop up windows appear out of nowhere and have no address bar or navigation buttons. Paypal or eBay will never ask you to provide information via a 'pop-up' (though they may occasionally use a pop-up to provide you with information).


Is there an attachment? Many fake emails will include an attachment that, if launched, could install spyware, launch a

virus or more. Real Corporations will never send you an attachment or software update via email

Using free email is a bad idea

Although that's where many of us started out, it just isn't cool to host your website at geocities or lycos anymore and if you're using a "free" email account (like Hotmail or Yahoo! Mail) it's time to reconsider. Here are five reasons why:

1. Too much fraud is associated with these free accounts; the vast majority, in fact. So some merchants simply refuse to accept orders that originate from them.
2. You'll lose your account if you don't use it within a certain time. Sure, that's not a big deal if you use it only for casual, occasional contacts. But if you've used it to register at Web sites, it's crucial. If there are problems with your account and your address has expired, you have run out of luck. Lose your newly changed password and you are dead.
3. It's next to impossible to get an email address that's memorable. There are just too many variations in circulation. Do you really want to be xbsx44tv@hotmale.com?
4. Many free email providers will charge extra for POP access to your mail. This extra charge is often more than what it costs to get a domain and email account from a reputable firm for a year. These accounts include POP and Webmail access as part of each package.
5. The adage that "there's no such thing as a free lunch" is true of these email accounts, too. Every free email you send could include advertising insertions, for instance. Do you really want to be displaying an email provider's promotions when you're applying for a job, or registering a complaint, or communicating with friends?

So, if you're only relying on a free email account, it's time to reconsider. You have a dot com then use it to register all your other domains and your paypal account this way you'll have gone the extra yard .

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