How to Identify Online Fraud
It's often difficult to tell if an email is legitimate. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in creating fraudulent emails and Web sites that look authentic. These emails and Web sites often appear to be from legitimate companies and include images and logos of these organizations.

Following are some common characteristics of fraudulent emails and Web sites:

1. They often have a sense of urgency telling clients that if they fail to update, verify or confirm their personal or account information, access to their accounts will be suspended.
   
   
2. They typically ask for personal or account information such as:
   • Account number
   • Credit and check card number
   • Social Security Number
   • Internet Banking sign on IDs and password
   • Mother's maiden name
   • Date of birth
   • Other sensitive information
   
   
   
3. They often include links that include a legitimate company's name or Web address.
   
   
4. The fraudulent emails will disguise or forge the sender's email address so they appear to be from a legitimate company.
   
   
5. The emails and pop-up Web sites may include misspelled words and incorrect grammar.

Warning:

It is important to remember NOT to reply to emails or pop-up Web sites asking for sensitive personal or account information or click on any of the links included in the emails-even if they look like they are from your bank. By clicking on the links or providing personal or account information in the email, money in your accounts can be withdrawn and your identity can be stolen.

How To Protect Yourself From Online Fraud

1. Never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited email, phone or pop-up Web site requests.
   
   
2. Type Web addresses into browsers instead of clicking on links in emails.
   
   
3. Change passwords and PINs every 30 to 60 days.
   
   
4. Keep anti-virus and anti-spam filtering software on your computers up to date.
   
   
5. Monitor accounts and credit reports. The three major credit bureaus are:
   
   • Equifax 1-800-525-6285
   • Experian 1-888-397-3742
   • TransUnion 1-800-680-7289

To learn more about email scams and what you can do to protect yourself online, several government organizations have provided detailed information on the Web sites for your reference:

• How Not to Get Hooked by the 'Phishing' Scam*
• ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name*
• Warning About Recent Fradulent Email Schemes*
• Pirates Are Trying to Steal Your Personal Financial Information*