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If you own a computer and utilize the internet daily, you're undoubtedly aware or at least heard of the term phishing. But in case you haven't, "phishing" refers to the practice of sending bogus emails that are designed to fool you into divulging your personal and/or financial information. Recently, and particularly since the current economic crisis began, a new round of emails have been making their way around the globe, supposedly sent out from banks requesting that you "update your account information," or notifying you that "there is a problem with your account" or "there has been suspicious activity in your account." Sound familiar?
You may have received one of the emails claiming to be from JP Morgan Chase, which recently purchased Washington Mutual. Another purported to be from Wachovia, which has been acquired by Wells Fargo. If you've gotten one of these phony emails, delete it immediately. Then, depending upon whether or not you actually do business with one of them, be sure to check your account by opening a new browser window and typing in the bank's URL directly. Never, under any circumstances, click on any link in one of these emails – a major reason why they should not be opened in the first place.
Here are two more. According to the American Association of Retired Persons' (AARP) November 1, 2008 Bulletin, an email is circulating with the subject line "Account review – Chase Team identified some unusual activity in your account." Another reads, "You have 1 new ALERT message." Both of these emails request the recipient to click on a link that will take them to a phony website, where they'll be asked to update the bank account by entering personal information, such as their bank account- and PIN numbers as well as their Social Security Number. Indeed, the email allegedly from Wachovia is just as bad. AARP states that "recipients are told to download software for its 'Wachovia Security Plus' protection. But doing so releases a virus that could infect your computer and track passwords and other personal information."
Another scam that you may or may not be aware of involves AOL. Of course, AOL was purchased by Time Warner several years ago. Therefore, if Time Warner is your cable services provider, that monthly bill will reflect your AOL charges (if you're an AOL subscriber). Hence, if you receive an email claiming to be from the AOL billing department telling you that there's a problem with your account and it needs to be updated, delete it. Always keep in mind that AOL will never ask for your account number or any other personal information.
If you've signed up with your financial institution for online banking or you participate in online bill-pay, it should be further noted that no reputable bank or credit card company would ever ask for your personal information – ever. As a prudent precaution, delete any email from anyone that you do not know or just aren't sure about. And, remember, if something seems 'fishy,' that's probably exactly what it is.
