How to avoid the Internet Scam popularly known as “Phishing”?

• If you receive an unexpected e-mail saying your account will be shut down unless you confirm your billing information, do not reply or click any links in the e-mail body.
• Before submitting financial information through a Web site, look for the “lock” icon on the browser’s status bar. It means your information is secure during transmission.
• If you are uncertain about the information, contact the company through an address or telephone number you know to be genuine.
• If you unknowingly supplied personal or financial information, contact your bank and credit card company immediately.
• Suspicious e-mail can be forwarded to uce@ftc.gov, and complaints should be filed with the state attorney general’s office or through the FTC at www.ftc.gov.