Protect Yourself from "Phishing" Scams

by your Aging in Stride tem

As you might recall from Issue 34 of Aging in Stride, con men and scammers have long targeted older adults. And unfortunately, the Internet has brought with it new opportunities for exploiting seniors. Chances are that you have already received a version-or ten-of one of the most recent e-mail scams: phishing.

Protect yourself...and your bank account

What is "Phishing"?

In this high-tech scam, crooks create fake e-mails and web sites designed to look like they are coming from a bank, credit card company, Internet service provider, retailer or other business. The message might claim that you need to "update" or "verify" your account.

These e-mails can look very official. They invite you to click on a link to go to a website (disguised as a legitimate company), and when you get there, you are asked to divulge your social security number, credit card number, bank account and PIN, passwords, or other private information.

The crooks then use this information to empty your bank account or to steal your identity.

Read how to identify and avoid "phishing" scams, and to report suspicious activity on The Federal Trade Commission's website. "How Not to Get Hooked by a Phishing Scam" tells how to identify a bogus e-mail, and also asks you to report suspicious activity.

Long the investigator of mail fraud, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service now targets e-mail fraud as well. Look on their website for articles about "phishing" and other Internet fraud.

The National Consumer League's Internet Fraud Watch website includes more "phishing tips."

For more links to information that you can use to help you or your loved one avoid becoming a fraud victim, go to "Issue 34: Consumer Fraud" of your Aging in Stride Support Center.