How to Protect Yourself from Phishing 

Although complete prevention is virtually impossible, there are some logical precautionary measures that both consumers and corporations can take in an attempt to reduce the potential of being conned by phishing scams.

The following 10 steps will help protect yourself. Whilst we have researched and made recommendations of software that will assist you, FraudWatch International makes no warranties or guarantees about the products.

1. Never Click on Hyperlinks within emails

Why?

Hyperlinks within emails are often cloaked, or hidden. The text you see as a hyperlink may not be where the hyperlink takes you.

Recommendation:

If you are unsure of the source of the email, you should not click on hyperlinks within emails that are apparently from a legitimate company. Instead, directly type in the URL in the Internet browser address bar, or call the company on a contact number previously verified or known to be genuine.

 

2. Use Anti-SPAM Filter Software

Why?

Some studies have shown around 85% of all email sent is SPAM, with a majority fraudulent. This can be costly and time consuming to end users who receive them. Effective SPAM filters can reduce the number of fraudulent and malicious emails consumers are exposed to.

Recommendation:

We recommend the following Anti-Spam software:

 

3. Use Anti-Virus Software

Why?

To protect against Trojan and worm attacks, anti-virus software can detect and delete virus files before they can attack a computer. It is important to keep all anti-virus software up to date with vendor updates. These virus programs can search your computer for personally sensitive information and pass this information to fraudsters.

Recommendation:

We recommend the following Anti-Virus software:

 

4. Use a Personal Firewall

Why?

Firewall's can monitor both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic from a computer. This can protect the computer from being hacked into, and a virus being planted, and can also block unauthorized programs from accessing the Internet, such as Trojans, worms and spyware.

Recommendation:

We recommend utilizing a personal firewall for your computer. We are currently researching and evaluating the best products available to recommend to consumers.

 

5. Keep Software Updated (Operating Systems & Browsers)

Why?

Fraudsters and malicious computer hackers are continually finding vulnerabilities in software operating systems and Internet Browsers. Software vendors are constantly updating their software to fix these vulnerabilities and protect consumers.

Recommendation:

Always ensure operating and browser software is kept up to date using legitimate upgrades and patches issued by the software vendor. Visit your operating system vendors website for update information, and subscribe to any automatic updating service.

 

6. Always look for "https" and a padlock on a site that requests personal information

Why?

Information entered on an Internet Web Site can be intercepted by a third party. Web Sites that are secure protect against this activity.

Recommendation:

When submitting sensitive financial and personal information on the Internet, look for the locked padlock on the Internet browser's status bar or the “https://” at the start of the URL in the address bar. Although there is no guarantee of the site's legitimacy or security if they are present, the absence of these indicates that the web site is definitely not secure.

 

7. Keep your Computer clean from Spyware

Why?

Spyware & Adware are files that can be installed on your computer, even if you don't want them, without you knowing they are there! They allow companies to monitor your Internet browsing patterns, see what you purchase and even allow companies to inundate you with those annoying "pop up" ads!

If you've downloaded some music, files or documents and suddenly started getting annoying ads popping up on your screen, you could definitely be infected with SpyWare and/or AdWare!

Recommendation:

We recommend the following Spyware Removal software.

 

8. Educate Yourself on Fraudulent Activity on the Internet

Why?

Internet Fraud methods are evolving at a rapid rate. Consumers need to be aware they are vulnerable as fraudsters are persuasive and convincing; many victims thought they were too smart to be scammed. Consumers should educate themselves on Internet Fraud, the trends and continual changes in fraudulent methods used. FraudWatch International offers consumer education as a free service to the Internet community.

Recommendation:

We recommend that you bookmark FraudWatch International, and return here frequently to learn about how fraudsters are defrauding people innocent people like you. Sign up to receive our free fraud alerts and newsletter by completing the form on the top left side of this page. Recommend our site to your friends to help them learn about how they can protect themselves.

 

9. Check Your Credit Report Immediately, for Free!

Why?

If you have responded to a fraudulent email, you may be at risk of identity theft. A virus could have been implanted within the email, which may find and pass on sensitive personal information about you to fraudsters, or if you have provided fraudsters with any personal information, you may be at risk of Identity Theft. You should check your credit report, and subscribe to a credit report monitoring service, to be alerted if your personal information is used fraudulently.

Recommendation:

We recommend Consumer Info's Free Credit Report where you can instantly view your credit report online, and have your credit report monitored for 30 days, for free. This will alert you if your personal information is potentially used in an Identity Theft scheme.

 

10. Seek Advice - If you are unsure - ask us!

Why?

If unsure as to the legitimacy of an email, consumers should seek advice from the legitimate corporation using verified contact details. For other potentially fraudulent emails, consumers can seek advice from FraudWatch International by forwarding the email with their questions to us. This is a free service to assist in the prevention of Internet Fraud.

Recommendation:

You can seek advice from FraudWatch International by forwarding the email with your questions to scams@fraudwatchinternational.com .

 

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