Phishing normally involves an email which lures you to a Web site that looks official (like one from your financial institution). Once there, you are tricked into entering your personal information (like your account numbers and passwords).
Pharming is very similar to Phishing. You are misdirected to a fraudulent Web site without your knowledge and usually asked to complete an online form with your personal information which is then stolen.
*Malware *Malicious software that is often sent via email. This is any software that is used to infiltrate your computer without your consent. This software can be used by fraudsters to gain access to your personal information such as passwords, PINs and account numbers.
Keep your computer safe by regularly installing and updating your anti-virus software and anti-malware programs. The firewalls on your computer should always be activated. Updates to your computer are called patches. You should update your system frequently to make sure you have the latest patches.
Protect your information and never follow a link from a suspicious email. If you suspect fraud, contact us directly at 678.406.4000 before entering any important financial information online.