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Identity Theft Phishing: You Don't Want To Be Caught

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Sport Phishing is not quite the same as it’s namesake, Sport Sighing, but it’s end result can be as financial fatal as the final jump of any fish caught on a line.  The new identity theft phishing craze is similar to the technical side of sport fishing; the basic concept includes the use of  “bait” or a scam that is set into motion by way of an email message alerting the recipient of an emergent need to update personal records immediately.  This widespread email is sent to a variety of people in hopes that most will respond to the bait and provide personal financial data to a return link that is provided within the original email.  For those that respond, the results will be disastrous.

Mainstream identity theft phishing involves an illegal group or individual that creates and sends out false emails that identify itself as a reputable business.  These emails alert the recipients that their personal information needs to be updated.  The email directs the recipient to visit web site and update personal information that includes passwords, credit card numbers, and social security and bank account numbers.  This information is then sent by email to the criminal (s) and now is in their computer database.  

Generally these identity theft phishing expeditions are successful because the criminals’ spam or group emails thousands of people at one time.  These mass emailings are sent in the hopes that many of the recipients will actually respond and when doing so will that the majority respond in a positive manner completely with the provision of all personal information.  

Identity Theft Phishing Causes Incredible Damage

The damage that can be done by identity theft phishing can often go way beyond a simple drained account. The financial loss can be overwhelming, leading to compromised medical records, unpaid bills, credit card accumulation and even an inaccurate criminal history.   Resources estimate that over 1 million computer users have suffered financial losses due to identity theft phishing.  The estimated expense of this new phishing hobby is approximately $929 million dollars in the United States alone.

How To Prevent Becoming An Identity Theft Phishing Statistic

The most important step to preventing identity theft phishing is to always maintain the utmost security of personal accounts and numbers.   Minimizing the risk and preventing others from accessing your personal records and account numbers will prevent their being able to empty your financial accounts or obtain new financial accounts in your name.

Always ask a company how and why it needs any personal data from you and what their intended use will be with such information.  Do not give anyone credit card numbers, financial account numbers or personal identifying information over the telephone or online unless you are sure that the line is secure and that the web site offers secure data encryption.  

In addition, monitor all mail delivery, insuring that bank statements and other bills arrive timely and in proper order.  These small steps will carry you a long way in preventing identity theft phishing.