Phishing
Phishing involves email or pop-up messages appear that claim to be from a business or organisation you may deal with, for example, an internet service provider, bank or online payment service. The message may ask you to 'update', 'validate', or 'confirm' your account information.
The messages direct you to a website that looks just like a legitimate organisation's site. But it's a bogus site that exists simply to trick you into revealing your personal information so the operators can use your identity.
Never respond to email or pop-up messages that ask for your personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. Don't cut and paste a link from the message into your web browser - phishers can make links look like they go to a genuine site, but then actually take you to a look-alike site. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organisation using a phone number you know to be genuine, or open a new internet browser session and type in the company's correct web address yourself. Using anti-virus software and a firewall, and keeping them up to date, can also help.
