Phishing during the Holidays

According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) phishing activity has increased in recent weeks as the holiday season approaches. APWG data indicates increases in the number of phishing attacks, the number of phishing email messages, and in the number of phishing sites.

For those unaware of the term, phishing involves the use of email spoofing techniques to entice consumers to go to web sites (which mimic actual web sites of known financial organizations) and unknowingly give out their bank or credit card information to criminal groups who will use this information for fraudalent purposes. The APWG uses the following description:

"Phishing attacks use 'spoofed' e-mails and fraudulent websites designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, social security numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them."

Internet users are advised to ensure the authenticity of messages and web sitse before providing any personal and/or financial informaiton.

For more information and the latest trends report, see: http://www.antiphishing.org.

For advice on how to avoid phishing scams, see: http://www.antiphishing.org/consumer_recs.html