What is Phising Scam? Stay away and stay safe from such scams.

What is Phising Scam?

Phishing is a technique used by fraudulent individuals or groups by which they try to collect sensitive personal information from unsuspecting users by employing social engineering techniques. They send emails that appears exactly same as an email from a genuine Bank, or Income tax dept etc and the mail contains a link that points to the Phishing site which looks very similar to the Bank or IT Dept website.

Then they will ask the user to fill the personal information like User name, password, transaction password, pin etc. Once they get all these information, they will save these info in their database and use it to access your Bank account or Credit Card account and will go away with all your money.

Don't fall Pray to such Phishing Scams:

Why people fall pray to such Phishing scams?
Because the Phishing emails entice them saying that they can get some money by clicking the link provided. The text is very similar to message from a bank, credit card or Income Tax dept. But, if you are not expecting any money, why should you click such fraudulent links? No bank or credit card or Income Tax dept will send you money if you are not eligible for a refund. In case of refund, you must be aware of it well ahead.

Precautions to take while using internet to stay safe from Phishing scams

Here are few tips provided by HDFC bank. Folow these tips and stay away from such Phishing scams.

• In case of doubt, do not click on any link provided in the e-mail.
• Do not give any confidential information such as password, customer id, Credit/Debit Card number or PIN,CVV,DOB to any e-mail request, even if the request is from government authorities like Income Tax department or any Card Association company like VISA or Master Card.
• Do not open unexpected e-mail attachments or instant message download links.
• Always check the web address carefully before sharing any sensitive information.
• For logging in, always type the website address on your web browser. For example if you want to login to HDFC bank website, type www.hdfcbank.com.
• Ensure that you have installed the latest anti-virus/ anti-spyware/ personal firewall/ security patches on your computer or high end mobile phones.
• Use non-admin user ID for daily work on your computer.
• Do not access NetBanking or make payments using your Credit/ Debit Card from shared or unprotected computers in public places, like cyber cafe or hotel rooms. 
• Do not call and leave any personal or account details on any telephone system, voice message, e-mail or an SMS.
• Do not transfer funds to or share your account details with, unknown/ non-validated source, luring you with commission, attractive offers.

Hope this information will be useful to you and will help you stay away from Phishing Scams and stay safe online. 

Real life example of Phishing Scams:

Recently one of my friend who is a Software Engineer in a Big MNC was about to fell in the Phishing scam. He almost filled all sensitive information like net banking login id, password, etc. But luckily he noticed the website link to be different and then closed the website thinking that it's a Scam website. 

It's a big shock to know that people with good technical knowledge and well acquainted with internet fall pray to Phishing Scams. Apply your common sense. No body will give you money without any genuine reason.

Share with your friends and family members to stay safe online. Don't ignore. Let's make internet a safe place. Post your valuable comments.