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If you receive an
unexpected e-mail saying your account will be shut
down unless you confirm your billing information, do
not reply or click any links in the e-mail body.
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Before submitting
financial information through a Web site, look for the
"lock" icon on the browser's status bar. It means your
information is secure during transmission.
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If you are uncertain
about the information, contact the company through an
address or telephone number you know to be genuine.
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If you unknowingly
supplied personal or financial information, contact
your bank and credit card company immediately.
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Suspicious e-mail can be
forwarded to uce@ftc.gov, and complaints should be
filed with the state attorney general's office or
through the FTC at
www.ftc.gov.
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Never respond to
requests for personal information via e-mail or in a
pop-up window. If in doubt, call the institution that
claims to be the sender of the e-mail or pop-up
window.
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Visit Web sites by
typing the URL into your address bar.
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Check to make sure the
Web site is using encryption.
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Routinely review your
credit card and bank statements.
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Report suspected abuses
of your personal information to the proper
authorities.
Tips
on how to avoid the Internet Scam known as phishing.