Facts Phishing

Spam, social manipulation and scams — everything to get access to your private information.

Phishing is spam, social manipulation, or tricking you to get your password, log-in information, credit card number, or sensitive information. This is done with the help of fake emails or websites.

These are often well done, which tricks you into opening, clicking on, or in another way, following instructions and giving out your personal information. Just by clicking, your computer can be attacked. Phishing is a form of fraud.

Advice Gather digital evidence

Document and save everything that can be used to investigate what has happened.

Guide: Gather digital evidence 

Advice Use and update anti-virus software and firewall

Your operating system and your browser (safari, chrome, firefox, internet explorer, etc.) also need to be regularly updated to have the latest security updates.

Advice Your financial information has leaked

If you suspect your information has leaked: block the card in question, check your bank statements, collect digital evidence, and contact the card issuer.

Guide to saving digital evidence

Advice Do not expose your personal or credit information

Use credit reporting services that text message or send physical letters when a credit report is made on your social security number.

Advice Check your paper mail

Make sure it is not possible to access your paper mail. Also, be sure to destroy important papers before you throw them in the trash or recycling.

Advice Surf safely

Use a secure connection to the web server. You can do this by checking the URL. If it starts with https, it is often safe, but not guaranteed. You can also look for a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen. If you feel even slightly unsure, never give out sensitive information.

Advice Check out the apps you download

Check if they have existed for a long time or gotten positive reviews.