Microsoft® Phishing Filter Add-in for MSN® Search

[Chris]

Microsoft® Phishing Filter Add-in for MSN® Search Toolbar (Beta)

Phishing (pronounced "Fishing") is one of the fastest growing threats on the Internet and a form of identity theft. It refers to high-tech scams using phony web sites with actual brands designed to steal valuable personal information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers.

Phishers use many tactics including creating and sending links to fraudulent Web sites or e-mail messages that appear to be valid in an attempt to fool you into submitting personal, financial, and password information.

Often an e-mail will be sent containing a link taking you to a fraudulent Web site appearing to be valid (like your bank or mortgage company) so that you'll enter your personal information. By using well-known, trusted brand names and logos, phishers are able to convince you to respond to them.

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[andsome]

We should alway remember that reputable organisations only ask for personal details AFTER you have visited the site at your own volition. You will only be asked in other words for bank account details if you have decided to conduct business yourself. They will NEVER e-mail or telephone asking you for details. Another form of phishing is the telephone call. Twice I have been contacted telling me that I have won a new mobile telephone with free rental and calls for a period, and as a bonus have also been awarded a digital camera. Before they can send the goodies however, they just need my sort code and bank account number so that I can be billed AFTER the free period. I have in reply told them to send the goodies first, and NOT to activate the phone until they receive my details in return, You would not believe the excuses and reasons as to why this is not possible. Both calls were conducted on the callers part in an India accent. I reckon that these people are sold our telephone numbers by unscrupulous workers in the new call centres now operating from India.