Phishing: Examples and its Prevention Methods

Phishing is defined by committing fraud to get financial information to trick people into providing bank or credit-card information by sending a fraudulent e-mail purporting to be from bank, internet provider, etc. They will be asked to disclose personal information such as credit card number, validation code, password or personal identification number.
Here is the common example for phishing that found in Msn e-mail for asking personal information. In order to prevent yourself for becoming next victims, there are some ways to protect yourself.
First, NEVER GIVE sensitive personal information in an e-mail, instant message or pop-up window. Just delete it. Most legitimate and established businesses will not use these methods to ask for passwords, account, or credit card numbers or other confidential information.
Second, be wary of clicking a link in a message or pop-up window. If you get an e-mail, instant message or pop-up window that asks for personal information, DO NOT CLICK any link the link as it would take you to a phony site where any information you give may be sent to the scam artist who built it.
Third, improve your computer’s security. Microsoft suggests that you use a firewall, install antivirus software and update it routinely, and keep your Windows and Office software up to date.
If someone had stolen your identity, you should IMMEDIATTELY file a report with the police and IMMDEDIATELY change the passwords on all your accounts. On the other hand, send the fraudulent message with its original header to the company that has been misrepresented. The company may have a special e-mail address to report such abuse. For example, if you received phisher e-mail from a fake “MSN”, you should send it to abuse@msn.com site.

REMEMBER: No legitimate company will ever send out an e-mail for asking confidential information! No matter how real they look, they are phishing scams!!