subject: Twitter Facebook Phishing Attacks! Simple Steps To Make You Safe! [print this page] The scam of phishing usually is done through email, instant message or direct messages. Phishing attacks are on the rise and this is true also of other forms of identity theft. Recently both Facebook and Twitter have seen a rash of virulent phishing attacks.
A phishing scam attack often relies on sending an email purporting to be from a valid financial, trusted website or ecommerce provider. These emails often use fear or deception tactics in an effort to entice the unwary victim into visiting a fraudulent website and giving out vital personal information.
Generally fraudulent action is carried out by using false websites that will mimic or create a near mirror image of the original website. These imitators generally have the look and feel of the real or valid ecommerce, trusted website or banking institution website.
Often a victim is totally unaware of the differences and gladly follow instructs to login to their account and enter sensitive financial information such as, passwords, login IDs, bank PIN number, Social Security number and maiden name of mother. This information is then surreptitiously sent to the attacker who then uses it to engage in credit card and bank fraud or outright identity theft.
Since so many of these phishing emails seem or appear to be validly legitimate it is easy to get fooled. You can stop from being a victim by going online and doing a search for phishing emails. You will be able to see real examples of phishing emails. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the clever techniques of deceptions that are being used.
If you are out of work like many people due to the slow economy you might be a target of an unsolicited job offer or promise of easy money. While this might seem like a dream come true and an answer to your prayers there is a need to beware! Ruthless people and con artists specifically prey on many unfortunate people who are having difficult financial times.
The tragic consequence of this illegal phishing scam actions is often greater negative financial fallout for those who can least afford it. If you become victim of one of these scams you will become even further behind financially which may lead to increased legal and credit troubles.
Beware that scammers may contact you via a number of different ways such as email, instant messages, direct messages, classified ads or sometimes even by phone.
It is urgent that you are alert to the scams spreading through Twitter through Direct messages. Direct messages have been showing up in Twitter and Facebook accounts with appealing come-ons to visit a certain site or to review some photo of you. So the next time you see, Hey! check out this funny blog about you or check out this video you are in beware! This could be a phishing attack and the URL in the message could then redirect you to a page that looks like the Twitter login page but is actually a false Twitter phishing site aimed at accessing your login and password.
It is important to know here that many of these unscrupulous people are not after your Twitter or Facebook account! They are hoping to find matches with your account information to access you bank account or other financial institutions.
The key to protecting yourself is education and increased awareness. Take a few seconds or even minutes more to examine your email before you open it or click on links. Be aware of changes in your accounts. Take notice of unusual activity and by all means change your password frequently or at least when you suspect some questionable activity. There are plenty of examples of these kinds of phishing frauds on the internet so do a little research.
Knowledge is the best protection! Be safe! Enjoy life, love, health and happiness!
