Wikipedia defines phishing as the act of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
In the past 24 hours I've received two three such attacks, by way of emails purportedly from known genealogy contacts, containing a link to click. In both cases I was tempted but resisted. Phishing attempts can almost always be recognized by their generic nature as well as the request to click a link. Legitimate e-mail messages usually contain information to which phishers would not have access. If in doubt don't click the link. Contact the person from whom the communication is from to verify the authenticity.
24 January 2014
Phishing Alert
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2 comments:
Good advice John, also one can search the sender's name (if indicated) on Facebook, if so browse to see if they show an interest in genealogy.
It's a good idea to forward suspect "phishing"emails to the fraud detection teams at the bank, etc., they are seeking info from. Most banks, credit cards, etc have a "spoof@whatever.com" address.
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