FRAUD ALERT!

Don’t Get Caught Phishing

Many Internet users are receiving e-mails requesting account information. The e-mail sender is supposedly a bank, government agency, or companies like eBay or PayPal; but in reality they are criminals.

Attempts to steal your sensitive information are called "phishing" and it is very prevalent. The sender goes “fishing” for your information usually by setting up a phony website at which you are asked to supply personal information - account numbers, passwords, pin numbers, social security numbers. If you provide that information, your accounts and other assets will be stolen.

To protect yourself, simply do not open or respond to e-mails asking you to submit personal data. The message might include fancy graphics, trademark symbols and an authentic looking e-mail address, but all of that can be faked. Here are some ways to tell:

• The message tries to scare you by saying your account needs to be verified or updated.
  
  
• The message threatens negative action, such as canceling your account, if you fail to take the requested action immediately.
  
  
• The message asks you to click on a link to update your information or to submit information through a button. Legitimate e-mails will not contain a link, but will ask you to close out the message and go to the company’s Internet website, and use your name and password to update the required information. Never click on a link!.
  
  
• The message is addressed to “Dear Customer” instead of your name
  
  

For assistance call the
DA's Elder Fraud Line:
(209) 468-2488

CASE is a Partnership of the District Attorney and the Community to Prevent Elder Financial Exploitation

San Joaquin County District Attorney  •  222 E. Weber Ave., Room 202, Stockton, CA 95202   •  (209) 468-2400
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