Phishing, as online scams are commonly known, has seen an increase in recent years.
With the number of fatalities soaring in the tsunami disaster, and charities continuing to ask for donations, the number of scams is also on the rise, through the Internet.
Phishing, as online scams are commonly known, has seen an increase in recent years.
Naturally, people want to help others during a tragedy such as the one over in Asia, but in times like these, those generous people need to understand they could become a victim themselves.
Phishing has become a powerful online threat over the past two years by merging spam e-mail with slick websites that trick consumers into giving out bank accounts, passwords, and other sensitive information. The Better Business Bureau of Virginia says that internet companies along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Secret Service, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S, Postal Service are cracking down on those scam artists who lurk on internet users by blending their message into those of legitimate businesses.
To spot a con-artist, the Bureau says you should know what to look for.
To avoid becoming a victim, the Bureau says it's as easy as doing your homework:
You can contact the Better Business Bureau by logging onto www.bbb.org or calling (703) 276-0100.
