Phishing Examples
Phishing is described by WikiPedia as "In the field of computer security, phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication." (see wiki)
It's no coincidence that Phishing sounds much like "fishing". It's much the same concept. You put some bait out on a string and reel in anything that bites. In the computer world you send a bunch of "bait messages" out and anyone who replies you attempt to reel in.
A Few Examples of Fishing
Ebay Phishing Example
Ebay/PayPal Phishing is very very common. How does it work?
- Well a scammer sends out thousands or even millions of emails to his email list. The end user then clicks on the link in the email and is taken to a site designed to look like ebay. The user attempts to login and in doing so sends his username and password to the scammer.
- Or a scammer sends out thousands or even millions of emails to his email list claiming to be Ebay or PayPal and request your username and password. The novice user may send those details back to the address and their account is compromised.
How to protect yourself from this phishing example?-Do not reply to any email claiming to be ebay or paypal. Do not click on any link claiming to be from paypal. Instead type the url into your browser window, and go there directly. eBay/PayPal will never ask their users for personal information. If you are still concerned contact ebay directly at 1-800-322-9266.
Bank Phishing Example
Bank Phishing scam attempts are very very common. How do they work?
- Scammer sends out thousands or millions of phishing emails. The email claims that the recipients account has been suspended, and that in order to return their account to normal standing they need to verify some information. The user clicks on a link and submits their user to the scammer. The scammer then compromises the users account.
How to protect yourself from this phishing example?-Do not reply to any email, do not click on any link claiming to be from the bank. As this is a pretty common occurrence you should be able to just ignore it. If you are still concerned or if you see strange activity with your bank account then please contact your bank (by Phone) ASAP.
