| − | '''Phishing''' (from ''fishing'') is a form of [[internet]] [[deception]], usually using email or copies of popular websites. Phishers use emails or websites that appear to be a trustworthy entity. Here they try to [[fraud|fraudulently]] acquire sensitive information, such as user names, passwords and credit card details from their unsuspecting victims. | + | '''Phishing''' (from ''fishing'') is a form of [[internet]] [[deception]], usually using email or copies of popular websites. Phishers use emails or websites which appear to be a trustworthy entity. Here they try to [[fraud|fraudulently]] acquire sensitive information, such as user names, passwords and credit card details from their unsuspecting victims. |
| − | One commonly suggested method of avoiding phishing scams is to check the [[URL]] to ensure that one is on the proper website before entering any personal information or [[credit card]] numbers online. | + | One commonly suggested method of avoiding phishing scams is to check the [[URL]] to ensure that one is on the proper website before entering any personal information or [[credit card]] numbers online. The best option is to contact the company whom the email claims to be associated with. Phishing scams often claim to be a user's bank, or a service they may use (such as [[eBay]]), needing personal details confirmed as a security measure. In fact these practises are not something that legitimate companies engage in. |