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| University
Police Department 4202 East Fowler Avenue (UPB002) Tampa, Florida 33620 813.974.2628 Main 813.974.5616 Fax http://www.usfpd.usf.edu |
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CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATION DIVISION |
| A STATE ACCREDITED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY | THOMAS
G. LONGO, CHIEF |
COMMUNITY
CRIME ALERT
| FROM: | Criminal Investigation Division |
| RE: | Phishing/Spoof Alert |
| DATE: | February 6, 2008 |
Phishing
This is a high-tech scam that uses spam or pop-up messages to deceive consumers
into disclosing their card numbers, bank account information, social security
numbers, passwords, or other personal information. Phishers send an email
or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that
you deal with — for example, your Internet service provider (ISP), bank,
online payment service, or even a government agency. The message usually
says that you need to "update" or "validate" your personal
information, such as user names, passwords, credit cards, social security
numbers, and bank accounts.
Spoofing
In this scam, the spoofer creates a false or shadow copy of a real website
or email in a way that misleads the recipient. All network traffic between
the victim's browser and the shadow page are sent through the spoofer's
machine. It allows the spoofer to acquire personal information, such as
passwords, credit card numbers, and account numbers.
Even though the email looks like the real thing, complete with authentic
logos and working Web links, it's a fake. The website where you're told
to enter your account information is also fake. In some instances, really
slick phishers and spoofers direct you to the genuine website, then pop
up a window over the site that captures your personal information. The information
entered does not go to the legitimate site, but rather to the spoofer's
account. The information you entered will most likely be sold to criminals,
who'll use it to ruin your credit and drain your account.
NEVER provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited
request, whether it is over the Internet or over the phone. Forward all
suspect phishing emails to
reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
Additional helpful links:
http://www.ic3.gov Internet Crime Complaint
Center
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft
Federal Trade Commission ID Theft