Phishing and credit card fraud 

The phishing activities are on rise as holiday shopping shoots up. Phishers are most active in holiday season rather they are working hard to dupe the innocent people. The cyber cops are on a high alert. Phishing and credit card fraud go hand in hand. Phishers are trying to get your credit card number so that they can do another credit card fraud. This holiday season, let us not loose our sleep over phishing. It is better to take care.

What is phishing?

These hackers are very smart. Sometimes a hacker sends a dummy mail presenting it in such a way, as if it is sent by Credit card company requesting your credit card details and passwords. You have to be very careful. You should never disclose any password and credit card information in any e-mail. This hacking technique is known as “Phishing”. Once hacker gets the critical information, they use it to siphon off your funds from your credit card account. This results in credit card fraud. This holiday season is a great opportunity for hackers. Thay are just trying to make you a victim. Phishing stats are on the rise. Securybanks phishing trojans are very active. Hence never send the critical information in the e-mail.

The Global Threat Command Team and their analysts alert the people to keep a close watch on phishing attacks through Spam e-mails in which scammers lure people into divulging personal or financial information like credit card number, password and social security number. Analysts also warn the people regarding the sophisticated techniques used by the fraudster, increasing at a rate of 20% to 25% in holiday season.

Previously phishing scams could be traced easily. As the phishers were sending spam mails with embedded link leading potential victims to dummy websites.

Latest phishing techniques

Latest techniques used by phishers are more sophisticated and difficult to identify as phishers employ web designers, virus writers, spammers and hackers.

The latest techniques used by phishers include a spam mail claimed as a confirmation letter from eBay through the web auctioneer’s PayPal online payment system. A phisher ask you to provide personal information that might be used by them to withdraw money from victim's bank account or credit card.

Another technique includes an official looking email from a bank warning you that your account will be deactivated if you do not verify your account details, including your credit card information and online banking transaction password.

Another common mistake made by a victim is to download a Trojan attachment, which captures keystrokes or opens up a port, which can then be used for a remote phishing connection.

In holiday season especially in Christmas season phishers send a Christmas greeting from Santa in exchange for home or e-mail addresses. Another asks for similar personal information and promises participants a $200 gift card from the favourite department store.

Analysts recommend consumers not to give a personal or account information by e-mail. If consumers need to respond to an e-mail information request, analysts recommend that they go directly to the site, and avoid following links provided in e-mail.

As phishing techniques become more sophisticated, the fight against the fraudster must be intensified with the help of cooperation from organizations and innovation to combat.

If you want more information, please read the Phishing Articles

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