Phishing is a high-tech scam that uses e-mail to trick consumers into revealing their credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords and other sensitive information.  The e-mail tells recipients that they need to "update" or "validate" their billing information to keep their accounts active.  It further directs them (with a link) to a "look-alike" Web site of the legitimate business, tricking consumers into thinking they are responding to a legitimate site.  Duped consumers end up giving personal financial information to criminals who use it to order goods and services and obtain credit.

The look-alike web site can really look like the real thing, including logos and images (a couple of the more “popular” phishing e-mails have used the names CitiBank and Sun Trust).

Anyone who receives such an e-mail needs to think first before clicking on the link and providing the requested information.  Instead, the company in question should be immediately contacted by telephone and the e-mail reported.

You can learn more about Phishing and view some some examples by clicking here.