Phishing
Yes, it is pronounced fishing but has nothing to do with catching cod. It's all about catching inexperienced people and extracting confidential information from them.
Most phishing starts with an E-mail from a bank or business. The commonest type that I have received is from a bank and asks me click on a link so that I can update my security information. Other messages suggest that your account is being used fraudulently and you need to login to stop it. The linked website (and the E-mail) use logos from the actual bank in question so it is easy to be fooled into thinking that it is genuine. However, it is all a scam.
Real banks never ask for your security information unless you are actually logging in to do Internet banking and then you should use the address stored in your Favourites/Bookmarks to reach the website. Links in E-mails should always be treated with suspicion, particularly if they are associated with finance, because you cannot be sure where they link to. In addition to banking, users of online auctions should beware of similar messages purporting to come from eBay, or the online payment provider, PayPal.
Whilst preparing this article I received this E-mail, claiming to come from Lloyds TSB, warning me about bogus messages but then asking me to click a link, login and update my account information!
The fact that I don't have an account with Lloyds TSB, mistakes in the use of English and a link that doesn't go to http://www.lloydstsb.com/ (which the correct website for that bank), all confirm the bogus nature of this message.
The second example (above) looks like it comes from the online auction website, eBay.
The third example (above) shows a new (to me) technique. The implication is that you have made a transaction, which you haven't. Naturally, if you are concerened about online fraud, you will be tempted to query the message. If you do, you may enter a site which attempts to install something nasty on your computer, or you will be asked for your bank details so that the transaction can be cancelled.
Do your online business with care. You safeguard your cash, cheque book, credit card, PIN number and signature when shopping - take similar care with confidential information when in the electronic world.
It is also important to keep a sense of proportion and humour.
