Identity Theft

Phishing
You may have recently heard about ‘Phishing’ and have concerns about Identity Theft.

The term ‘phishing’ is from an analogy used by internet scammers who use email lures in an attempt to obtain passwords and financial data from internet users.

Typically, phishing schemes revolve around an apparent urgent email that is designed to trick you into visiting a bogus website and asking you to submit personal, financial and password data. The email often looks genuine, with authentic logos and active links to websites. The site you are asked to submit your account information to is bogus. Often, phishers will direct you to a genuine website, and then pop up a window over the genuine site in order to capture your personal information.

The topics of the urgent emails can range from unclaimed prize money, requesting account confirmation to winning prize money. You are prompted to login to ‘verify your account information’. Often you are warned of consequences if you don’t take immediate action.

Do not respond to such email requests. Do not reply or click on any of the links in the email. London Civic does not send out emails to ask you to provide personal information.

Tips on how to Avoid Phishing Scams

• Do not reply to email requests about your personal information.
• Do not call any phone numbers that may be listed
• Install anti virus software, spyware filters and email filter programs on your computer
• Do not click on any email that may look suspicious. Delete any suspicious looking email

Identity theft may result when responding to a ‘Phishing’ scam.