Thursday, January 31, 2008
Today's Tip: Understand the Concept of Phishing
There have been so many 20/20 and Dateline NBC specials on Phishing that thankfully,
most people are aware of phishing and just how dangerous it can be to a person's
well-being. From identity theft to various bank account scams, phishing was a term coined
from people simply trying to "fish" information out of other people. It probably sounds like
something you'd never fall for, and hopefully you never will. But there's a reason that
"phishers" have been so successful, and that is their knowledge of manipulation.
Do you get e-mails from your credit card company or your bank? Many phishers will
design an email to look EXACTLY like the website of your bank. Ebay has been a popular
target for phishers. Take a look at the emailed message below:
Dear eBay member,
As part of our continuing commitment to protect your account and to reduce the instance
of fraud on our website, we are undertaking a period review of our member accounts.
You are requested to visit our site by following the link given below
<link omitted for safety>
Please fill in the required information.
This is required for us to continue to offer you a safe and risk free environment to send and
receive money online, and maintain the eBay Experience.
Thank you
Accounts Management As outlined in our User Agreement, eBay will periodically send you
information about site changes and enhancements. Visit our Privacy Policy and User
Agreement if you have any questions.
Copyright © 1995-2003 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy
Note how the request is explicitly for your login information and password. A reputable
company will never ask you to supply them with your login name and password.
Period.
So how does this tie in to budgeting? Simple. You need to remain aware that unfortunately
there are bad people out there in this world. (Don't ever mistake this to mean that the world
is full of bad people). But there are people trying to scam you to try and make a quick
buck. There have been stories of people who have lost over $50,000 of their savings to
scammers as they were promised that they would receive an inheritance from a deceased
long-lost relative. Don't fall victim to an email from somebody that you do not personally
know! The more you know, the more protected your personal savings can be.
Remember: Safeguard your personal information with your life! Don't ever give
our your credit card or social security number through an email!
Have you downloaded the free budget yet? Our free budget spreadsheet is updated for
2008 and features a monthly account tracker and budget form!
There have been so many 20/20 and Dateline NBC specials on Phishing that thankfully,
most people are aware of phishing and just how dangerous it can be to a person's
well-being. From identity theft to various bank account scams, phishing was a term coined
from people simply trying to "fish" information out of other people. It probably sounds like
something you'd never fall for, and hopefully you never will. But there's a reason that
"phishers" have been so successful, and that is their knowledge of manipulation.
Do you get e-mails from your credit card company or your bank? Many phishers will
design an email to look EXACTLY like the website of your bank. Ebay has been a popular
target for phishers. Take a look at the emailed message below:
Dear eBay member,
As part of our continuing commitment to protect your account and to reduce the instance
of fraud on our website, we are undertaking a period review of our member accounts.
You are requested to visit our site by following the link given below
<link omitted for safety>
Please fill in the required information.
This is required for us to continue to offer you a safe and risk free environment to send and
receive money online, and maintain the eBay Experience.
Thank you
Accounts Management As outlined in our User Agreement, eBay will periodically send you
information about site changes and enhancements. Visit our Privacy Policy and User
Agreement if you have any questions.
Copyright © 1995-2003 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy
Note how the request is explicitly for your login information and password. A reputable
company will never ask you to supply them with your login name and password.
Period.
So how does this tie in to budgeting? Simple. You need to remain aware that unfortunately
there are bad people out there in this world. (Don't ever mistake this to mean that the world
is full of bad people). But there are people trying to scam you to try and make a quick
buck. There have been stories of people who have lost over $50,000 of their savings to
scammers as they were promised that they would receive an inheritance from a deceased
long-lost relative. Don't fall victim to an email from somebody that you do not personally
know! The more you know, the more protected your personal savings can be.
Remember: Safeguard your personal information with your life! Don't ever give
our your credit card or social security number through an email!
Have you downloaded the free budget yet? Our free budget spreadsheet is updated for
2008 and features a monthly account tracker and budget form!
My Financial Profile - MyFinPro.com
 |  |  |  |  |  |
-------The Budget Tip Archive------- |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Budget Tip of the Day
Free Budget Spreadsheet