Phishing: Don't Take the Bait

By using email spam or pop-up messages, “phishers” work hard to trick consumers into disclosing credit card numbers, account information, Social Security numbers, and other details best kept private. Posing as a financial institution, government agency, or Internet service provider, the message will typically read that your account or information needs updating or validation. Take the bait and phishers will have what they need to use your credit cards, open new accounts, or even commit crimes in your name. To avoid getting scammed:

• Know that legitimate companies will not ask you for confidential information via email or pop-up messages

• Do not reply or click on the links in email or pop up messages that ask for personal or financial information

• Never use email to transmit personal and financial information 

• Install high quality anti-virus software

• Avoid filling out forms included in email or pop-up messages

• Give personal and financial information only when you’ve initiated the contact

• Make sure there is a lock icon on the browser's status bar and the URL reads "https" not "http" before providing confidential information online

Want more important consumer and personal finance tips? Contact the financial professionals at BALANCE. Counselors are ready, at no charge to you, to answer questions and help you develop a personal finance strategy. Visit www.balancepro.net for more about their services, or call toll-free: 888.456.2227, Monday-Thursday, 5am-8pm Friday 5am-5pm, and Saturday 8am-5pm (PST).