What is Phishing Carding and Spoofing?
"Hello, Mrs. Jones. This is Mary over at your bank. We just wanted to alert you that we think someone may have attempted to gain access to your checking account. I need to get some information from you so we can investigate this. Would that be alright? Good, thank you. Before we start, though, our bank regulations require that I verify your identity before I can discuss this further. May I have your address? And your Social Security number on your account? And your account number? Thank you, those all check out. I'm going to send you a checking account balance confirmation today. When you get it, review the information and return it to me. And have a great day!"
"Phishing" isn't new. The term comes from the computer world, but the concept goes back decades. A con man or woman can take your money if he or she can get you to give access to important account information. An identity thief can pose as a representative of your bank, your credit card company, your internet service provider. And their stories can sound very plausible. Here's an example.
If you are asked for any type of personal information, ask the caller for his/her name and telephone number and the organization he/she is representing. Then call the company using the customer assistance number the company provides with your account statement or bill (not the number you were given by the caller). Tell the customer service department about the call and the information you were asked to provide. If the call is legitimate, you'll be transferred to the correct department. If the call is not legitimate, you'll help alert the company that a fraud may be going on in the company's name.
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Credits and Thanks to:
BBB Online Identity Theft
Anti-Phishing Working Group - Committed to wiping out Internet Scams and Fraud
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