Phishing (password harvesting fishing)is a new form of online fraud. It starts with e-mail messages that appear to come from sites you trust, like your bank or credit card company asking you to update your details. These messages will then direct you to forged web pages where you will be prompted to part with your credit card numbers, passwords or account information, which will then be used to commit fraud in your account.

These fake web pages are designed to look like that of your Bank, but are operated by fraudsters.

As cyber crime gets more and more sinister, a little caution on your part, while online, can save you a lot more than just money. If you feel you have been a victim of a phishing scam, you should immediately report the scam to the company that's being spoofed.

These emails generally ask for sensitive account information like Usernames, passwords, Credit Card numbers or PINs.

The emails may contain content, which is bound to make you react. For example, the email may have content which would state. “Please click here to update your account information in order to keep your Bank Account active.”

The links will take you to a website which is unsecure i.e. they start with http:/ rather than https:/

The padlock at the bottom of the screen is missing.

Treat all unsolicited emails with caution. Banks/Major organizations  will never send emails that ask for confidential information.
 

If you get an e-mail or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply or click on the link in the message.
 

Always type the URL address of the site you want to visit in the web browser
 

Don’t e-mail personal or financial information. e-mail is not a secure method of transmitting personal information.
 

Routinely review your credit card and bank statements.
 

If you suspect that you have become a victims of a phishing attack and already have divulged your sensitive information to fraudsters, please report to the concerned authorities