Tech Tips: More on Phishing
From the IT Group: Oh no, you just received an email from the Internal Revenue Service – United States Department of Treasury. Then you realize that everything is fine, because it is about your tax refund. You’ve been waiting for it and here it is, and you have an opportunity to get your tax refund applied directly to your Visa or MasterCard. You simply need to complete the following information:
Enter your Social Security Number and a valid credit card number you want your refund applied to (be sure to read the “Privacy Notice” regarding the request for the personal information). Be sure your Social Security Number is as shown on your tax form.
Credit/Debit Card number
Name
Card number
Expiration date
CVV code
Personal information:
DOB
Address
City
Zip code
Telephone number
Email address
All you have to do now is click “Submit” and you are all set. You are surprised how easy that was! Everything looks legitimate, but is it really? Well, if you clicked that “Submit” button, you’ve just been Phished! Even though it looks like official correspondence from the IRS, here is how you can tell that it wasn’t.
• The IRS does not send out email to anyone requesting private or financial information via email. They want you to call or write them.
• The email isn’t addressed to you. It just says “Tax Refund.” There is no information shown that indicates that the sender knows who you are.
• The “CVV” code is only needed to validate the use of the card for purchases — not deposits.
• They do not provide a secure web site (using https connection) or any other means of contacting them. That is never a good sign.
Phishing can be difficult to detect, but there are signs to look for. Our friends at Sonic have developed a great tool to help you test your knowledge. Visit: http://www.sonicwall.com/phishing/. As always, if you ever receive something you aren’t quite sure about, feel free to contact the HelpDesk at 8-2532, email helpdesk@keene.edu, or stop by our office on the second floor of Elliot Hall.
