Beware, Don’t Take the Bait!

Written by Guest Blogger on 05/04/11

Photo by GuilleDes on Flickr

Phishing! What is it?

Phishing or ‘’brand spoofing’’ is a technique used by scammers to obtain personal information from you for the purpose of committing fraud.

How can you identify it?

It’s easy. Have you ever received an email from a bank or company telling you that you need to update your account information? If you have, you’ve been the target of phishing!

Scammers contact you by email and come up with different scenarios to try and convince you to give them your personal information. They use well-known logos of legitimate institutions to gain your trust.

Here is a common example of phishing:

You receive an email from your bank advising you that they are currently updating their data base and they need you to re-confirm your account information if you do not want to lose access to your account online. When you click on the link, you are redirected to a web page that is the exact replica of your bank’s Internet page. You’re asked to give your password, bank account number and credit card number, address, phone numbers, social insurance number, etc. The email could also be from your cell phone company or any other organization trying to fool you into giving those types of information.

In fact, the information you are giving is directly going to scammers who use software to collect it from you.

What can criminals do with your information?

Once they have your personal information, criminals can use it for:

• Identity thefts (make purchases in your name, open bank accounts and apply for credit in your name, etc.);
• Steal all your savings in your bank account.

What can you do to avoid becoming victim of phishing!

• Protect your computer with anti-virus software.
• Delete all emails that request your personal information. No legitimate institution will ever ask you for such information via email!
• If you receive such emails advise your financial institution.
• Talk to your family or friends before doing anything!

For more information on phishing, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

This information was provided by the Centre of Operations Linked to Telemarketing Fraud (COLT).