Things You'll Need:
- Computer Internet connection
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Step 1
Identity theft has become a worldwide problem, and phony websites contribute to the crime. "Phishing" (pronounced "fishing") is a trick that criminals use to make websites appear legitimate and tricking people into giving out passwords or credit card information.
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Step 2
When you surf the Internet, never give out information unless you are sure that the Web address to which you are connected is the actual company with whom you wish to communicate. Scammers often use emails to direct recipients to bogus websites. Never follow links from emails where you will be giving out any personal information. Never give out personal information unless you have entered the website address yourself into your browser. You may receive an email saying, "Your PayPal account needs you to enter your information or else it will be deleted due to inactivity. Click here to fix." You may then click on the link thinking it's taking you PayPal, but instead it directs you to a fake site made to look like PayPal. It may contain logos and have the exact appearance of what you'd expect at PayPal. Once there, you'll be asked to enter your password and other account information. If you do, you will be giving it to a crook!
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Step 3
One way to check the destination address of an email link is by to examine the URL, which is the Web address that appears in your browser navigation bar. The basic structure should be www.companyname.com. Be suspicious if the address of the company name appears anywhere except immediately before the domain extension (.com, org, .net, etc.). For example, www.companyname.com/paypal is not on PayPal's site. It is a page on the companyname.com site.
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Step 4
Another way to check a link in your email is to hover your mouse over the link. A text box will appear and show the actual address. If the destination address isn't the same as that which is displayed in your email, be suspicious.
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Step 5
Avoid following links from emails and you will be less likely to fall victim to phishing.
