Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails to get individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Thieves send victims an email that appears to originate from a credible source containing a link and asking for a login or password reset. This link directs the victim to a bogus website controlled by the scammer. To avoid being a victim of a phishing scam follow these quick tips.

Quick tips on how to avoid these compromises:

• Never click on links embedded in emails or open any attachments from an unknown or suspected fraudulent email account.
• Always independently verify any requested information originates from a legitimate source.
• Visit websites by inputting the domain name yourself. If needed, then update/change your information.
• If you are contacted over the phone, hang up, look up the phone number for the institution, and call back. Do not give your information over the phone.

For more information please contact the Global Investigative Operations Center (GIOC) at gioc@usss.dhs.gov or 202-406-6009.