Recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mail

Phishing is a type of deception designed to steal your valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers, Windows Live IDs, other account data and passwords, or other information.
You might see a phishing scam:
  • In e-mail messages, even if they appear to be from a coworker or someone you know.
  • On your social networking Web site.
  • On a fake Web site that accepts donations for charity.
  • On Web sites that spoof your familiar sites using slightly different Web addresses, hoping you won't notice.
  • In your instant message program.
  • On your cell phone or other mobile device.
  • Often phishing scams rely on placing links in e-mail messages, on Web sites, or in instant messages that seem to come from a service that you trust, like your bank, credit card company, or social networking site.
If you need advice about an Internet or online solicitation, or you want to report a possible scam, use the Online Reporting Form or or call the NFIC hotline at 1-800-876-7060.