Don't get Caught in the Phishing Net!
Special Notice:
Phishing is on the Rise… Don't Take the Bait!
With the proliferation of internet and e-commerce activity, a fraudulent activity called "phishing" has emerged and tricked millions of Americans into divulging personal information to the wrong people. Phishers are computer hackers who try to dupe people into providing confidential details over the web often financial information such as account numbers.
When in the wrong hands, personal information can be used in a number of illegal ways such as transferring funds out of bank accounts, fraudulently using credit cards or ATM cards, or identity theft.
It's common for a phishing attack to look like a legitimate e-mail from your bank, your internet service provider or even a retail store. The e-mail might contain a request to update financial information by clicking on a hyperlink within the e-mail, which would likely go to a fake website or page.
At Liberty Bank, we'd like you to be aware of threats such as phishing, and protect yourself against them with the following advice:
- NEVER provide account information, passwords or PINs via e-mail
- Never click on suspicious links instead type web addresses directly into your browser
- Use anti-virus and anti-SPAM software
- Use a personal firewall
- Keep your computer clean from spyware. Several software programs are readily available at low cost to help eliminate spyware from your computer.
If you are unsure of the legitimacy of an e-mail, don't be afraid to ask. Either seek advice from the company who issued the e-mail (by phone, in person or with a verified contact), or you can forward your e-mail and question to FraudWatch International atscams@fraudwatchinternational.com. To register a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, visit www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
