Avoid Internet Fraud

Hi Everyone
Phishing and Pharming are forms of identity theft.
PHISHING lures consumers into divulging personal financial information to fraudulent ("spoofed") websites.  These sites appear to be real and often imitate legitimate sites like bank web sites.  Once the unsuspecting customer takes the bait and gives personal information to the spoofed site, his identity is compromised and the phisher can use the information to clean out the victim's bank account or commit other forms of theft.

PHARMING is similar but more sophisticated, employing a virus to infect a victim's computer once an email message is opened.  When the consumer attempts to visit an official web site, the pharmer's software virus redirects the browser to a fake version of the web site, stealing information entered.  The latest form of pharming can attack through Microsoft Messenger, tracking a user's keystrokes on legitimate sites and stealing passwords.

Awareness is key to avoid falling prey. Ask your financial institution if they employ software safeguards to thwart identity thieves. also:

* Install anti-phishing programs on your computer
* Be suspicious of email requesting personal financial information
* Avoid email links to any web page
* Use secure web sites when submitting credit card information (look for the "s" in the "https" look for the padlock icon in the browser window)
* Consider installing protection from phishing web sites, and see that security patches are applied.
* Check bank, credit, and debit card accounts and statements.

for more on this and other financial scams to watch out for, visit
http://ago.mo.gov/ConsumerCorner/encyclopedia/phishing.htm

This information came from the Missouri House of Representatives

Make it a great day!
Blessings
Pam Schroeder

ps. and remember, If you or anyone you know are thinking of buying or selling a home, don't forget to ask yourself have you "GOT PAM" for all your real estate needs?