Phishers send out large numbers of e-mails to random people and hope to hit customers of the target company. The e-mails usually look official, and include the company's logo. They ask the customer to either fill in a form included in the e-mail or to go to a different Web site to fill out a form asking for information like account numbers and Social Security numbers.

Ways to help prevent Phishing - Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information. Always confirm such requests with your financial institution. "Phishers" often use upsetting or exciting (but false) statements in their emails to get people to react immediately. They typically ask for usernames, passwords, credit card and social security numbers. DO NOT use links in an email to get to any web page if you suspect the message might not be authentic. Call the company or log onto the website directly by typing in the web address in your browser. Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information. Regularly log on to your online accounts and verify each transaction is legitimate.

If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft or "Phishing"

If you suspect that your identity has been misused to commit fraud take immediate action. Here's what to do now:

1. Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.

Equifax
To order a report: 1-800-685-1111
To report fraud: 1-800-525-6285
and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian
To order a report: 1-888-Experian (397-3742)
To report a fraud: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
and write: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
To order a report: 800-916-8800
To report fraud: 1-800-680-7289
and write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634.

2. Call the ID theft clearinghouse toll free at 877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) to report the theft.

3. Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use the ID theft affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts.

4. File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime. It is important that you keep any evidence you may have related to your complaint.