Email phishing or phishing simply put is the action of assuming the identity of a organization or website, using email or web pages in order to coax the potential user into divulging private information.
This private information may then be used for purposes which are unknown to the actual holder of that information. The theft begins with a forged email which will lead the user to a website. This website will be having the graphics and content same as the original website but is in fact a fraud. This email will then ask the user to divulge personal information claiming that it is being required by the original and authorized organization.
This private information can be the social security number, debit or credit card numbers etc. This information can then be used by the fraudsters to gain credit.
The best and most trusted method of preventing email phishing is to NOT proceed with any requests that ask you to divulge personal information. The best possible way to curb such email phishing fraud is to inform those who this information pretends to be from. It is also advisable to report such activities to relevant authorities operating in a respective country.
But most often than not, quite a few fall prey to such email phishing fraud. The following is a guideline in case one has already given away personal information:
- Inform your credit/debit card company.
- Inform your bank.
- Change your passwords to all e-related activities.
- Contact the websites involved.
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