By: Lisa Asino-Joseph
Phishing is a practice of online identity theft in which a perpetrator tricks a victim into submitting personal information to illegitimate websites through forms or e-mail. Phishing steals information such as identity card numbers, passwords, bank account numbers and pins. These schemes are clearly illegal, but the fraudsters are hard to catch and prosecute as they are often located in other countries. The perpetrators might also use botnets (a group of computers controlled by a hacker) to solicit the personal information.
Examples of phishing messages
Message from
WINDOW LIVE TEAM(limahighway@hotmail.com)
Dear Account Owner
This Email is from Hotmail Customer Care and we are sending it to every Hotmail Email User Accounts Owner for safety. we are having congestions due to the anonymous registration of Hotmail accounts so we are shutting down some Hotmail accounts and your account was among those to be deleted. We are sending this email to you so that you can verify and let us know if you still want to use this account. If you are still interested please confirm your account by filling the space below.Your User name, password, date of birth and your country information would be needed to verify your account. After following the instructions in the sheet,your account will not be interrupted and will continue as normal.
* Name: ……………………………………
* Username: ………………………..
* Password: …………………………
* Date of Birth: ……………………..
* Country Or Territory: ……………
If you do not scrutinize the message, you would think hotmail administrators sent you this message. Then the perpetrator will take over your account, soliciting money from your contacts or whatever crime he/she chooses to commit.
Prevent Phishing
1. Spam: Be suspicious of mails that come from unrecognized users especially the ones with upsetting or exciting statements to get you to act immediately.
2. Safe Websites: Communicate personal information on secured websites only. Look for a locked lock on the right bottom of the page or https in the address box. If you are not sure, ask to communicate the information over the phone. Phone communication should be initiated by you.
3. Enter Address: For all transactions, enter the website address yourself.
4. Web Browsers: Always update your web browsers (internet explorer, firefox etc.), they will protect you from known fraudulent websites.
5. Check Statements: Check your credit, debit and bank card statements regularly and report any suspicious activities.
6. E-mail Attachments: Do not open e-mail attachments from unknown senders.
Take Note: You may be targeted anywhere online, be suspicious of anyone befriending you or asking for personal information. Do not feel pressured to give up the information.
lisa@namibiasites.com