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Business - Scam Alert

Sunday, Jun. 07, 2009

Scam Alert: Don't 'confirm' financial info

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THE SCAM: Phishing by phone

HOW IT WORKS: An e-mail from a financial institution is sent to the victim, but it doesn't have any links to click on for more information. Instead, the scammer asks the recipient to call a number included in the e-mail to confirm information about the recipient's bank account. This is called "vishing." Calling the number leads to a person who asks for personal financial information, which is then used for the criminal activities.

WHAT'S AT STAKE: Your money, and your identity

HOW TO BEAT IT: Use the same judgment you would with any e-mail from a financial institution. First, ask yourself if you have an affiliation with that institution. Then consider how the institution got your e-mail address and why its representatives would contact you by e-mail. If they're asking for information they already should know -- by phone or on the Internet -- it's probably a scam. Delete the e-mail and don't call the number.

For a look at past scams, go to www.modbee.com/business/scam.