Scams

Understanding computer-related scams is an important part of computer security.

Phishing Scams

In a phishing scam, an unsolicited e-mail message urges you to click on a link which opens a fraudulent site which has been made to appear legitimate. You enter your personal information (e.g., account login and password) which is gathered by the scam artist. In some cases, your account login and password are fed to the legitimate site afterwards, leaving you unaware that any malicious activity has taken place. Examples:

• Tutorial: Spoof (Fake) E-mails
• Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Emails

How to Protect Against Phishing

• Identify fraudulent e-mail and phishing schemes
• Phishing scams: 5 ways to help protect your identity
• Anti-Phishing Working Group

Anti-Phishing Software

We don't consider any of the following required, but if you choose to install anti-phishing software install only one -- more than one is probably unnecessary and will just slow your computer down.

1. Google Toolbar for Firefox (Mac and Windows)
2. eBay Toolbar with Account Guard for Internet Explorer for Windows
3. Earthlink Toolbar with ScamBlocker for Firefox and Internet Explorer for Windows

More Information About Computer-Related Scams

• Social engineering (computer security)

Help? Feedback?

Try asking your question in the Craigslist computer forum. To provide feedback for this page, send the URL and your comments to Web & Data Services Manager Frank Farm at farmf@pharmacy.ucsf.edu.

Go To: Computer Security