Phishing

"Phishing" (pronounced "fishing") occurs when criminals use e-mail, phone calls, or text messages to try to lure you to fake websites, where you're asked to disclose confidential financial and personal information, like passwords, credit card account numbers and Social Security numbers.

While the most common type of phish is an e-mail threatening dire consequences if you do not immediately log in and take action, fraudsters may also contact you by telephone or send a text message to your cell phone or PDA.

You should never respond or reply to an e-mail. phone call, or text message that:

* Requires you to supply personal information.
* Threatens to close or suspend your account if you do not take immediate action and provide personal information.
* Solicits your participation in a survey where you are asked to enter personal information.
* States that your account has been compromised or that there has been third-party activity on your account and requests you to enter or confirm your account information.
* States that there are unauthorized charges on your account and requests your account information.
* Asks you to enter your User ID, password or account numbers, PIN numbers or card expiration dates into an e-mail, non-secure webpage or text message.
* Asks you to confirm, verify, or refresh your account, credit card, or billing information.