How To Protect Yourself Online

With the advance technology of today, the internet has become a playground for identity thieves. Contributing to a rise in credit card fraud, identity theft, and other internet frauds is a scam in the form of an unsolicited e-mail directing consumers to a phony “customer service” type of website. Some of these scams are “spoofing”, “phishing,” and the latest called “link alteration.”

Link Alteration

The identity thief, or hacker, alters the return address in a web page sent to a consumer which in turn sends the consumer to the bogus site instead of the legitimate site. This is done by adding the bogus address before the actual address in an e-mail or a page that has a request that goes back to the original site. They receive an email requesting them to clink on a certain link to update their account information. When they click on that link they are redirected to a site that looks exactly like a commercial site like paypal or e-bay, or one that looks like their internet service provider. If it looks like the site they were directed too, it is very likely that the individual will submit their credit and/or personal information so it can be update.

FBI Tips to Help Protect Yourself

  • Exercise extreme caution if you encounter an unsolicited e-mail that asks you directly or indirectly for any personal or financial information
  • Use the normal process you have always used if you need to update your information online. You can also open a new browser window and type in the website address of the legitimate company you need to go to.
  • If the website address, where they want you to update your personal or financial information, does not look familiar, it is probably not real.
  • Always report fraudulent or suspicious e-mal to your ISP.
  • If you have any doubts about an e-mail or website, contact the legitimate company directly. Make a copy of the questionable web site’s URL address and send it the legitimate business. Ask if the request is legitimate
  • If you have been a victim of identity theft, contact your local police or sheriff’s department. Then file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Fraud Complaint Center.
      Identity theft is a growing crime and been with us for centuries. Even with the advanced technology that we have to still be on our toes and watch for identity theft scams just like this.