Phishing Victims

Phishing Victims are frequently their own worst enemy in the fight against Identity Theft. Phishing (sounds like fishing) is the term used to describe the practice of luring victims into providing their personal information, hence the play on words (phishing and fishing).

The person doing the phishing (the phisher) may contact their victim in any number of ways, such as telephone, email, instant message, and even by postal letter. The phisher pretends to be someone with something the victim wants, such as money, gifts, opportunity, etc. In order for the victim to obtain what the phisher is offering, he/she must provide personal information, such as full name, date of birth, social security number, possibly a bank account or credit card number, etc.

Gullibility plays a big part in the success of the phishers plan, but greed is an even bigger factor in the success of this form of Identity Theft. Although the type of theft is sometimes successful with younger and more computer literate people, it is primarily focused on the elderly who are generally less adept with the computer and are not so suspicious of queries regarding personal information.

Thanks to the American Association of Retired Persons, and other programs which are more directly associated with the elderly, more and more of those in this age group are being made aware of the dangers posed by those contacting them in this way. In either case, young or more mature, the victim wants the proposed offering and throws caution to the winds by providing the information requested.

The links below provide additional information on phishing techniques and examples of the ways in which a victim might be contacted. A good rule of thumb is to never provide information of a personal nature to anyone you do not know personally and who initiates a contact with you, regardless of the medium used.

For example, if someone calls indicating they are calling from your bank and ask for personal information of any kind, be immediately suspicious. Hang up and call the bank directly, indicating that you were contacted by phone to obtain information. If the bank is truly the one calling, they will know what information is needed and you will know that you are talking to the bank and not to a phisher. In this way, you can avoid becoming a Phishing Victim.

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