Phishing scams revealed
Phishing is a tricky topic. It’s not really much of a technical problem, since much of its physics rely on human vulnerability. Phishers disguise themselves as legitimate websites that send you either warning emails or messages informing you that you won something.
One of the easiest ways to avoid getting phished is to have several email addresses – one you use STRICTLY for professional services like banking, and another for the more informal forms and services you use in the net. This effectively filters the types of messages you get, as Phishers usually harvest emails from sites with low security. Also be wary of opening attachments or clicking links at once. Try to determine whether or not you remember applying or being associated with the site, organization or offer.
[...] The most common way is for victims to receive a message through email that they are qualified for loans, even though they have a very poor credit standing. These people desperate, more often than not, see this as a golden opportunity for them. They fill out forms online and give out sensitive information, as well as unquestioningly pay a “processing fee” to the alleged lending company. Once all is done, they never hear from the company again. The rule of thumb is that if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. [...]