Technology can make life easier in a number of ways, online banking and instant access to your money are just a couple of examples. However, with technological improvements, there are additional opportunities for fraud perpetrators to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.
Phishing is just one way that criminals are attempting to take advantage of technology. What is Phishing? Phishing attacks use 'spoofed' e-mails and fraudulent websites designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords etc. By hijacking the names of well-known banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them.
It is imperative to remember to never respond to any email request for information. Reputable companies do not send emails requesting such information . If you have received such a request from a company you do business with, call them using known phone numbers to verify information requested.
Educating yourself is one of the most important things you can do to avoid becoming a victim in a phishing scam. There are numerous resources available on the Internet as well as from the federal government. To report phishing fraud or to get more information call 1-877-382-4357 or visit http://www.antiphishing.org/.
Please note this link will direct you away from Fort Madison Bank & Trust website.
