Internet fraud: Protect your identity Internet fraud is increasing dramatically. Please read this for information about fraudulent e-mails and websites, the risks they pose and how to avoid them. Protect yourself and your personal infor­mation, "Phishing" and "brand spoofing" Phishing and brand spoofing are e-mail terms. They refer to criminal acts by scam operations (disguised as known, legitimate businesses or organizations) that send e-mails to you to steal your personal and private information. You are directed to a bogus website and asked to update personal data, like passwords and credit card, social insur­ance and bank account numbers. This information is then used to commit crimes such as credit card fraud, bank fraud or identity theft. Tips on how to avoid Internet scams • Do not provide personal, financial or other sensitive information in response to an  e-mail.  • If you receive an unsolicited e-mail that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply or click on the link in the e-mail. If you have any concerns about the message, call the company directly using a number you know to be true, or open a new Internet browser session and type in the company's correct Web address - do not cut and paste the link in the message. • Look for misspelled words in the message, hyperlink or website. Fraudulent e-mails and websites often contain misspelled words.  • Regularly review online accounts and bank, credit and debit card statements to be sure transaction records are accurate. • Protect your computer with anti-virus software, spyware filters, e-mail filters and firewall programs. Keep these tools up to date. If you receive a fraudulent e-mail, report it to: • Phone busters: www.phonebusters.com  or 1-888-495-8501