PRESS RELEASE

TODAY’S DATE:         Tuesday, November 04, 2003

SUBJECT:      “Phishing scam”

CONTACT:    Sergeant Brad Johnston

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On November 4, 2003 the Astoria Police department received a complaint about a company making unauthorized withdrawals from the complainant’s checking account. During the conversation with the complainant it was discovered that the victim responded to a common Internet scam commonly called “phishing.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “phishing” is “is a high-tech scam that uses Spam to deceive consumers into disclosing their credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information.” Usually this is instigated by an urgent message that purports to be from someone the victim has a business relationship with. Commonly their Internet service provider, credit card company, bank or similar business. The scam insists that there is immediate action that must be taken by the recipient to continue the business relationship. It also includes a link to take accomplish the immediate action. Clicking on this link will divert the victim to another website that requires the victim to enter personal information. This is most likely an impressive look alike website that may include the companies logo and other real information. Entering the information will almost certainly result in a loss to the victim.

To avoid being a victim of “phishing” or other Internet scams it is wise to:

1.     Avoid emailing personal information. When providing information through a website look for the indication that the information is being submitted to a secure server.

2.     If you receive an email asking for you to take immediate action on short notice contact the company through a number or website that you know to be valid. Do not contact the company using information obtained in the email.

3.     Review your financial account information as soon as you receive it. Look for suspicious transactions. If your statements are delayed, contact the company and ensure that your mailing address is current.

For more information about how to avoid becoming the victim of Internet scams visit www.ftc.gov/spam or www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

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