The number and sophistication of phishing scams sent out to consumers is continuing to increase dramatically. While online banking and e-commerce is very safe, as a general rule you should be careful about giving out your personal financial information over the Internet. The Anti-Phishing Working Group has compiled a list of recommendations below that you can use to avoid becoming a victim of these scams.

·         Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information

·         unless the email is digitally signed, you can't be sure it wasn't forged or 'spoofed'

·         phishers typically include upsetting or exciting (but false) statements in their emails to get people to react immediately

·         they typically ask for information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.

·         phisher emails are typically NOT personalized, while valid messages from your bank or e-commerce company generally are

·         Don't use the links in an email to get to any web page, if you suspect the message might not be authentic

·         instead, call the company on the telephone, or log onto the website directly by typing in the Web adress in your browser

·         Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information

·         you should only communicate information such as credit card numbers or account information via a secure website or the telephone

·         Always ensure that you're using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your Web browser

·         to make sure you're on a secure Web server, check the beginning of the Web address in your browsers address bar - it should be "https://" rather than just "http://"

·         Consider installing a Web browser tool bar to help protect you from known phishing fraud websites

·         EarthLink ScamBlocker is part of a free browser toolbar that alerts you before you visit a page that's on Earthlink's list of known fraudulent phisher Web sites.

·         Its free to all Internet users - download at http://www.earthlink.net/earthlinktoolbar

·         Regularly log into your online accounts

·         don't leave it for as long as a month before you check each account

·         Regularly check your bank, credit and debit card satements to ensure that all transactions are legitimate

·         if anything is suspicious, contact your bank and all card issuers

·         Ensure that your browser is up to date and security patches applied

·         in particular, people who use the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser should immediately go to the Microsoft Security home page -- http://www.microsoft.com/security/ -- to download a special patch relating to certain phishing schemes

·         Always report "phishing" or “spoofed” e-mails to the following groups:

·         forward the email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

·         forward the email to the Federal Trade Commission at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

·         forward the email to the "abuse" email address at the company that is being spoofed (e.g. " This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ")

·         when forwarding spoofed messages, always include the entire original email with its original header information intact

·         notify the Internet Fraud Complaint Center of the FBI by filing a complaint on their website: www.ifccfbi.gov/

·         Report the theft of this information to the card issuer as quickly as possible

·         Many companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.

·         Cancel your account and open a new one

·         Review your billing statements carefully after the loss

·         If they show any unauthorized charges, it's best to send a letter to the card issuer describing each questionable charge.

·         Credit Card Loss or Fraudulent Charges (FCBA).

·         Your maximum liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your credit card is $50.

·         If the loss involves your credit card number, but not the card itself, you have no liability for unauthorized use

·         ATM or Debit Card Loss or Fraudulent Transfers (EFTA).

·         Your liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your ATM or debit card depends on how quickly you report the loss.

·         You risk unlimited loss if you fail to report an unauthorized transfer within 60 days after your bank statement containing unauthorized use is mailed to you

·         Report the theft of this information to the bank as quickly as possible

·         Cancel your account and open a new on

If someone else is using your account to bid, leave feedback, or list auctions without your permission:

·         Contact eBay

·         eBay has set up a link for HIJACKED ACCOUNTS

·         If someone is currently listing auctions on your account, you may also use the hotline options:

·         Member Problems... Law Enforcement... Please Investigate a Current Listing for Possible Fraudulent Activity

·         Please only use this option if there are current fraudulent auctions.

·         Attempt to sign in and change your password

·         If you are able to sign in, change your password and hint immediately, and begin to undo any damage done by the hackers

·         remove any bogus auctions, contact bidders and sellers, etc.

·         If you were unable to regain control of your own account, eBay will likely suspend it for a while until they complete their investigation