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Beware of email asking for personal information?
This mass-messaging is called 'spoofing' or 'password phishing.'
Such fraudulent practices involve messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, or the creation of an official-looking webpage that asks you to provide your username and password or other personal information. Such messages or pages could ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, PIN number, credit card number, mother's maiden name, or birthday.
Spammers often ask for this information in an attempt to steal your email account, your money, your credit, or your identity.
You should always be wary of any message that asks for your personal information, or messages that refer you to a webpage asking for personal information. If you receive this type of message, do not provide the information requested.
Protect yourself and stop fraud:
* Look for the closed lock icon in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window whenever you enter any private information, including your password.
* Check the message headers. The 'From:' field is easily manipulated to show a false sender name. Learn how to view headers.
* Contact the organization from which the message appears to be sent. Don't use the reply address in the message, since it can be forged. Instead, visit the official website of the company in question, and find a different contact address. Better still, telephone.
* If you enter your account or personal information as the result of a spoof or phishing message, take action quickly. Send a copy of the message header and the entire text of the message to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov. If you entered credit card or bank account numbers, contact your financial institution. If you think you may be the victim of identity theft, contact your local police.
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Warning: This message may not be from whom it claims to be. Beware of following any links in it or of providing the sender with any personal information.
Dear Bank of America customer,
In order to be prepared for the smart card upgrade on Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards and to avoid problems with our ATM services, we have recently introduced additional security measures and upgraded our software.
The security upgrade will be effective immediately and requires our customers to update their ATM card information. Please update your information by following the link given below.
http://www.bankofamerica.com/OnlineBanking
We are committed to delivering your quality service that is reliable and highly secure. This email is one of many components designed to ensure your information is safeguarded at all times.
Please do not reply to this message. For any inquiries, contact Customer Service.
Copyright © 1999 - 2007 Bank of America. All rights reserved.
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