Warning Internet Pirates Are Trying To Steal Your Personal Financial Information

The good news is that you have the means to stop them. How can you fight identity theft?

1. Never provide personal financial information, including Social Security number, account number or passwords, over the phone or the Internet if you did not initiate the contact. This is a practice that is commonly used by Identity Thieves called phishing (pronounced fishing).
2. Never click on the link provided in an e-mail you believe is fraudulent. It may contain a virus than can contaminate your computer.
3. Do not be intimidated by an e-mail or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify personal or business financial information.
4. If you believe the contact is legitimate, go to the company’s web site by typing in the site address directly or using a page you have previously book marked, instead of a link provided in an e-mail.
5. If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately to protect yourself. Alert your financial institutions. Place fraud alerts on your credit files. Monitor your credit files and financial account statements closely.
6. Report suspicious e-mails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by calling 1.877IDTHEFT.

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