ID Theft, Phishing & Other Scams

Do you really know who you are doing business with online? The Internet is a multi-billion dollar engine for commerce and fundraising. And as with any successful enterprise, it attracts its share of scam artists hoping to cash in. Online thieves rake in billions of dollars a year using a variety of schemes to steal the personal information, or even the entire identities, of unsuspecting people. Take the time to learn the risks now to prevent the months, or even years, of bad credit and legal hassles that can result from online scams.

What you should know about online scams

Online scammers typically focus their efforts on gathering the sort of information that may appear on a loan application or other financial transactions: names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, credit card and bank account numbers-as well as passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs). Thieves use this information to create fraudulent accounts for their own use-and then go on spending sprees that end up on your credit report.

One of the most popular ways that thieves steal your personal information is through a scam called phishing. A phishing scam begins with an e-mail to potential victims that appears to come from a legitimate business, such as a bank or a software company. The message then asks you to submit credit card information, Social Security numbers, bank account information, or other personal data under a false pretense. This pretense is often a moneymaking opportunity, but it might also be a seemingly routine request to verify personal information. The scammer's e-mail may even include a link to a legitimate looking Web site to capture this information.

Keep in mind that online scammers prey on young and old alike. According to the Federal Trade Commission, about one-third of all reported victims of identity theft are teenagers. They make attractive targets because they have good credit ratings, seldom carry much debt, and may be less savvy about keeping their personal information secure. Remind everyone in your family to take precautions against online scams.

Signs of a scam

You don't know the person who has sent you the message.
You are promised large sums of money for little or no effort on your part.
The request contains a sense of urgency.
The sender repeatedly requests confidentiality.
You are asked to provide money up front for a processing fee, or to pay the cost of expediting the process.
You are asked to provide your bank account number or other personal financial information, even if the sender offers to deposit money into it.
The sender offers to send you copies of government certificates, banking information, or other evidence that their activity is legitimate-this evidence is easily faked.

What you should do to protect yourself against online scams

Download the Comcast Toolbar. Useful tools for better control over your online experience are available right in your browser. The Comcast Toolbar includes industry leading software to protect your browser from spyware, pop-up ads, and phishing scams. [Download now]
Communicate with your kids. Talk with the young people in your family about the importance of staying safe as they explore computers and the Internet. Teach them to keep their personal information to themselves on the Web. Secure surfing habits are important for both their financial and personal safety.
Public computers are not private. Don't use public computers for online purchases or banking. Keystroke loggers and other software can transmit your private information to untold individuals. If you or anyone in your family must use a public computer, such as in a library or Internet cafй, always clear your browsing information and log off entirely before leaving.
Be wary of wireless. Avoid making transactions over an unsecured wireless Internet connection. This includes public "hot spots" and any WiFi connection whose password you do not directly control.
"S" means "secure." When shopping on the Web, be sure you see "https://" (the "S" stands for "secure") at the beginning of the URL for any site where you plan to enter financial information. Look for a lock or a similar icon in the browser indicating that you are connected to a secure site.
Keep your Social Security number to yourself. An increasing number of business and organizations want you to provide them with your Social Security number. In many cases, this is for their convenience, not yours. Refuse to provide your or your family's Social Security numbers to anyone who has no legal right to them. Also, do not carry your Social Security card with you, in case of loss or theft.
Respond immediately. If you suspect identity theft, take action immediately to limit the damage. Contact your credit card company, your bank, all three credit reporting agencies and the police. Close any fraudulent accounts. Change passwords for all of your online accounts. Be sure to keep records of all actions you've taken. To report the incident to Comcast, please e-mail a copy of the scam, including the original e-mail headers, to abuse@comcast.net. Please include the word "Phishing Email" in the subject of the message.

Online criminals are always thinking up new ways to separate you from your money. Stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe.