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What is phishing?

Phishing is the act of tricking someone into giving up confidential information or tricking them into doing something that they normally wouldn’t do or shouldn’t do on the internet or via electronic communcation. Example: sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.

Unfortunatally, this type of scam is more popular than ever on the web. Often, the targets are less experienced web users who may not be as familar with all the dangers of giving out your personal information on the web.

A couple general rules to follow:

• Never give your Social Security number out in an email to someone you don't know. In fact, no reputable company will ask you to email them any of your personal information.
  
• Be wary of any transaction that asks you to deal with wire transfers or cashiers checks.
• Requests for donations via email are dangerous. Do not take them seriously.
  
• When in doubt of the legitmacy of an email or request for personal info, call the company requesting info. If you can't find a phone number for them, they are likely not the type of organization to which you would want to give any personal information.

For more info, check out this book: Look Both Ways: Help Protect Your Family on the Internet