If you have an e-mail account, chances are that you have already been subject to a phishing attack. "Phishing" (sometimes called "spoofing") is an attempt to get you to reveal private information about yourself (usually your Social Security number or financial information) by sending you an official-looking e-mail.

Phishers usually tell you that the sender must "confirm" your identity or "verify" your account information, and then ask you to e-mail this information back to them. Some phishers are getting even more sophisticated--one trick is to claim that you missed jury duty, then threaten that you will be arrested if you do not send certain requested information to clear up the matter.

Because phishers rely on the cooperation of their victims, it is easy to protect yourself. Legitimate companies never ask for information by e-mail. Be very suspicious if you receive such a request. If you want to find out if the request is a legitimate one, do not respond to the e-mail or follow any computer links it contains (some phishers go to the trouble of creating fake websites). Instead, pick up the phone and call the company that supposedly sent the e-mail. If the company does need to contact you, it should be able to help you over the phone.

Burned by identity thieves or scammers? Please contact our office for a free legal consultation.

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