A phishing scheme typically consists of an email message that appears to originate from a trusted source, but in fact is an attempt to obtain and exploit sensitive user information, such as login credentials for the targeted user's online bank account. Often, the message asks you to "update" account information (including credit card and checking account information, social security numbers, addresses, and telephone numbers). Most phishing scams instruct you to do so via a form in the body of the email. Sometimes, you will be prompted to click a link that appears to lead to an authorized Web site that belongs to a legitimate, trusted company.

The idea is to make you take the bait by entering the requested form data or clicking the link and providing the requested data to the fraudulent party, which then attempts to exploit the obtained information.

As more and more communication and transactions are taking place online, phishing schemes and other attempts to steal sensitive personal information have become increasingly prevalent and innovative.

;Phishing attacks against online consumers have become so widespread that an estimated 57 million Americans have received fraudulent email messages and 1.98 million may have fallen victim to the subsequent scams, resulting in approximately $1.2 billion in direct costs to U.S. banks and credit card issuers.*

Our recommended MAIL-BLOCK advanced fraud/spam protection solution effectively protects you from phishing schemes by detecting and intercepting phishing attempts and other fraudulent email messages before they reach your inbox.

;*According to a study by research firm, Gartner, Inc.