Asking For Personal Information

Usually, the messages open by reporting a problem with your account, and will ask you to verify the following information:

• Name and online user name
• Address and phone number
• Social Security Number
• Account password or PIN
• Account number
• ATM/debit or credit card number
• Credit card validation code, (CVC). This is the code credit card companies use to authorize credit charges. American Express uses a 4-digit CVC number which appears on the front of your card, while Visa, MasterCard and Discover all use a three-digit number that is on the back.

Providing any of this information is the online equivalent of giving criminals the keys to your house. They can empty your financial accounts, run up charges on your credit cards or open fraudulent credit card accounts in your name. And it can take years to repair the damage to your financial integrity.