ID Theft: Methods Used by Thieves

Thieves have many different methods to steal your financial information.  Please find some of the more popular methods listed below.

What is “Phishing”?
Phising (FISHing) describes computer and internet hackers who imitate legitimate companies in email or pop-up messages to entice people into disclosing sensitive personal information.

What is “Spoofing”?
Spoofing is using technology to pretend to be something it is not.  Fraudsters can make letters, emails and web sites look like those of legitimate companies.

What is “Pretext Calling”?
Pretext calling is when you receive a phone call from someone purporting to be from your bank stating there’s been a problem with your account and they need to verify your account information.

What is “Spy Ware”?
Spy ware is software programs thieves use to gather personal information.

What are “Bogus Checks”?
Bogus checks are fraudulent checks thieves incorporate into your personal checking account.

What are “Software Threats”?
Software threats include viruses, worms and Trojans.  These attack your computer rendering it unusable, usable by someone else, or its information can be read by someone else.