ID Thieves Preying on Consumers With New Phishing Scam Called Pharming
In observance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, the National Consumers League (NCL) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) have partnered to warn consumers about new computer-based scams threatening their bank accounts and other sensitive personal information. The Washington-based advocates are focusing their efforts on how consumers can protect themselves from the evolving tactics that are used for online “phishing” scams. Phishing is when ID thieves trick people into providing their social security numbers, financial account numbers, PIN numbers, mothers’ maiden names, and other personal information.
In the newest form of phishing, called “pharming,” a virus or malicious program secretly planted in a consumer’s computer hijacks the computer’s Web browser. When a consumer unknowingly types in the address of a legitimate Web site, they’re taken to a fake version of the site without realizing it. Any personal information provided at the phony site, such as passwords or account numbers, can be stolen and fraudulently used.
“People want to be able to use their computers and go online with confidence,” says Susan Grant, Director of the National Consumers League’s National Fraud Information Center and Internet Fraud Watch programs. “Phishing, pharming, and other sneak attacks erode that confidence and need to be combated with all the tools at our disposal, including educational information about how people can keep better control of their computers and their privacy.”
To arm consumers with the information they need to recognize online phishing and prevent it, NCL is partnering with the National Cyber Security Alliance to release new tips that include advice about keeping computers secure from phishing attacks. The tips are on both the http://www.fraud.org and http://www.staysafeonline.org Web sites.
“We are happy to partner with the National Consumers League to work towards our goal to raise awareness of online scams, such as phishing, and provide consumers with the tools necessary to protect against emerging attacks,” said Ron Teixeira, executive director, National Cyber Security Alliance. “Cyber security is a shared responsibility that requires consumers and businesses to work together to make the Internet safe for everyone.”
NCL has released new advice for consumers about avoiding becoming a phishing victim. Sample tips from the site include:
* Don’t click on links within emails that ask for your personal
information.
* Never enter your personal information in a pop-up screen.
* Protect your computer with spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware
software, and a firewall, and keep them up to date.
In addition to the new phishing tips, NCL offers a wealth of information about other forms of online and telemarketing scams at http://www.fraud.org.
About NCL
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit http://www.nclnet.org.
NCL runs the National Fraud Information Center, which was created in 1992, and the Internet Fraud Watch, which was created in 1996, operating in tandem with the NFIC. Consumers from across the United States and Canada can call (800) 876-7060, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, or fill out the online form to file a complaint. NCL staff provides advice and tips on how to spot possible telemarketing or Internet fraud and how to report it. Fraud reports from consumers are sent within minutes to over 200 appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general. For more information visit http://www.fraud.org.
About The National Cyber Security Alliance
A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is a central clearinghouse for cyber security awareness and education for home users, small businesses, and the education community. A public-private partnership, NCSA sponsors include the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Trade Commission, and many private-sector corporations and organizations. For more information, and to review the top 8 cyber security practices, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org.
Data source: National Consumers League
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