The term "phishing" refers to a scam that encompasses fraudulently obtaining and using an individual's personal or financial information. This is how it works:

• A consumer receives an e-mail which appears to originate from a financial institution, government agency, or other well-known/reputable entity.
• The message describes an urgent reason you must "verify" or "re-submit" personal or confidential information by clicking on a link embedded in the message.
• The provided link appears to be the Web site of the financial institution, government agency or other well-known/reputable entity, but in "phishing" scams, the Web site belongs to the fraudster/scammer.
• Once inside the fraudulent Web site, the consumer may be asked to provide Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords or other information used to identify the consumer, such as the maiden name of the consumer's mother or the consumer's place of birth.
• When the consumer provides the information, those perpetrating the fraud can begin to access consumer accounts or assume the person's identity.

Tips on how to avoid Phishing:

• If you receive an unexpected e-mail saying your account will be shut down unless you confirm your billing information, do not reply or click any links in the e-mail body.
• Before submitting financial information through a Web site, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar. It means your information is secure during transmission.
• If you are uncertain about the information, contact the company through an address or telephone number you know to be genuine.
• If you unknowingly supplied personal or financial information, contact your bank and credit card company immediately.
• Suspicious e-mail can be forwarded to uce@ftc.gov, and complaints should be filed with the state attorney general's office or through the FTC at www.ftc.gov.

Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information to establish credit, purchase items or borrow money in your name. Here are ways to protect yourself:

• Protect your Social Security number (SSN), credit card and debit card numbers, PINs (personal identification numbers), passwords and other personal information.
• Report lost or stolen checks immediately
• Notify your bank of suspicious phone inquires such as those asking for account information to "verify a statement" or "award a prize"
• Shred financial solicitations or statements before disposing of them
• Deposit your mail into a secure, official Postal Service collection box
• Keep your financial trash "clean."
• Keep a close watch on your bank account statements and credit card bills, if regular bills fail to reach you, call the company to find out why.
• If your bills include questionable items, investigate immediately.
• Avoid phishing scams. Never reply directly or click on a link in response to an email that asks for personal or financial information. Remember-we will never contact you via email to ask for personal financial information
• Get your free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228.

Other important links:

• www.fdic.gov
• www.consumer.gov/idtheft
• www.fraud.org