Image by Ronald Heft via Flickr
Chances are you’ve received an email from a bank that you’ve never used asking you to log into your account and update your information. While this might seem a bit strange, this type of email is actually called a phishing scam.
A phishing scam is an elaborate email system that works to try and collect personal information from unsuspecting Internet users by pretending to be real companies requesting the information. When people provide the information on the website, it actually goes to someone who uses it to steal your identity.
If you are worried about falling victim to one of these email scams, here’s a look at some things you can do to make sure you avoid them.
Don’t Provide Personal Information Over the Internet
If you get an email that asks you to update your personal information at a bank or website, don’t do it. Instead, call the actual bank or website and ask if they sent the email. Chances are they didn’t and it’s a phishing scam. Most companies and websites will not email you asking for your personal information.
Watch What Links You Click
Many phishing scams look like real emails but when you click on the link to update your information it takes you to a different website from the company’s real website. You can see what website a link will take you to by hovering over the link and seeing what address it shows you at the bottom of the screen. If it looks suspicious don’t click on it and delete the email right away.
Phishing scams are becoming more and more popular. However, by using common sense you can avoid falling victim to them and protect your personal identity.
