Recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mail

Recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mail

Published: September 14, 2006 | Updated: August 26, 2008

Tip

To see updated examples of popular phishing scams or to report a possible phishing scam, visit the Anti-Phishing Working Group Archive.

Phishing is a type of deception designed to steal your valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers, Windows Live IDs, other account data and passwords, or other information.

You might see a phishing scam:

? In e-mail messages, even if they appear to be from a coworker or someone you know.

? On your social networking Web site.

? On a fake Web site that accepts donations for charity.

? On Web sites that spoof your familiar sites using slightly different Web addresses, hoping you won't notice.

? In your instant message program.

? On your cell phone or other mobile device.

Often phishing scams rely on placing links in e-mail messages, on Web sites, or in instant messages that seem to come from a service that you trust, like your bank, credit card company, or social networking site.

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