Don’t Get “Hooked” by Someone “Phishing”
Recently many Americans have been bombarded with fraudulent emails that direct recipients to web sites where they are asked for personal information. The request suggests that the information is necessary to maintain an open account or to verify credit or debit card transactions. These web sites appear very similar to official financial institution web sites or even clones, but actually these emails are a scam called “phishing.”
Phishing is a fraudulent scheme of sending an email to a user claiming to be a legitimate company. The email attempts to con the user into surrendering private information that could later be used for identity theft. Consumers can protect themselves from identity theft scam by following these tips:
- Avoid emailing personal & financial information. We will not ask you to reveal personal information or PINs via email. Never reveal your PIN to someone claiming to represent your financial institution or card company.
- Review credit card & monthly statements as soon as you receive them to determine whether or not there are any unauthorized charges. If your statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit card company or Affinia to confirm your billing & account balances.
- Report suspicious activity to the FTC. Send the actual spam email to spam@uce.gov
- Find further helpful information by visiting www.consumer.gov/idtheft
