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Phishing is a form of fraud
designed to steal your identity. It works by using false pretenses
to get you to disclose sensitive personal information, such as
credit and debit card numbers, account passwords, or Social Security
numbers.
One of the most common phishing
scams involves sending a fraudulent email that claims to be from a
well-known company. Phishing can also be carried out in person, over
the phone, through fraudulent pop-up windows, and websites.
DEFINITIONS
Phishing
(pronounced “fishing”):
Fraudulent emails that request or initiate a scam to get sensitive
personal information.
Spoof Site:
Fraudulent sites – usually linked from a phishing email – that look
like well-known websites.
How phishing through email works.
1. Mass
Email
2. Phishing
Email
3.
Fraudulent Website
1.
1.
A fraudster will start out sending thousands, even millions, of
emails to different mail accounts disguised as messages from a
well-known company. The typical phishing email will contain a
concocted story designed to lure you into taking an action such as
clicking a link or button in the email or calling a phone number.
Learn how to spot a fraudulent
email.
2
In the email, there will be links or
buttons that take you to a fraudulent website.
3. 3.
The fraudulent website will also mimic
the appearance of a popular website or company. The scam site will
ask for personal information, such as your credit card number,
Social Security number, or account password.
You think you’re
giving information to a trusted company when, in fact, you’re
supplying it to a criminal. Learn how to spot a
fraudulent website.
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