How to Recognize a Phishing Scam in Yahoo! Messenger

Phishers do not just target emails anymore. If you use the features of Yahoo! Instant Messenger, you must learn how to protect yourself from a phishing scam. These scams look like links sent by friends and family. When you click the link, you are taken to a page where you are asked to enter your email address and password to view the pictures. If you enter your information, it will be stolen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yahoo! Messenger
• A computer with Internet access

1. If you receive a link from someone that you know in Yahoo! Messenger, ask for clarification of what they sent.

2. If you do not receive a reply despite the status of your friend showing online, then do not click the link.

3. If you do receive a reply, make sure through conversation that it is really your friend and not an automated reply or a scammer who is online.

4. If you cannot satisfy yourself that the link is legitimate, then do not click on it or give out any of your information. If you have a secondary contact for this person, warn him or her that their account may have been hijacked.

5. If you entered your information accidentally but can still access your account, change your password immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Change your password frequently to help prevent account compromise.
• Check the URL (the Web address) of any links that you click, and be sure that you only provide password information while on a valid link.