General Security Tips

E-mail Scams: Phishing

What is phishing?

"Phishing" (pronounced "fishing") is an online scam that involves e-mail that appears to come from a reputable company that you recognized and do business with. In some cases, the e-mail may appear to come from a government agency. Phishing e-mails typical warn you of a serious problem that requires your immediate attention. The e-mail may encourage you to click on a button to go to a phony web site that may look exactly like the real site. The site may ask you to update personal information for verification. If you provide the requested information, you may find yourself the victim of identity theft.

To avoid becoming a victim, please visit the following web sites for more information.

• The FDIC has created this webpage to inform and warn consumers about a type of fraud called "phishing.": http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/phishing.html
   
• The FDIC has created this webpage to inform consumers of information the FDIC has made available on identity theft: http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/theft.html
   
• Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft provided by Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm