COLUMN: Don't get caught in a “phishing” scam

Of the twelve scams highlighted in the IRS’s most recent “Dirty Dozen” scams that IRS auditors and criminal investigators have uncovered, “Phishing” is, in my opinion, one of the most egregious. Destin is the world’s luckiest fishing village, but if you are the one getting “phished” you won’t feel so lucky.

Phishing is a technique used by identity thieves. Typically, in the context of a tax scam, an e-mail will notify a taxpayer that he or she is entitled to a tax return and provides a hyperlink which leads to an “official” looking website. But the website is anything but “official.” In fact, the Web site asks the taxpayer to provide a social security number and credit card number. The site is designed to acquire such personal financial data in order to gain access to the financial accounts, run up charges on the victim’s credit cards or apply for loans in their names.

Phishing is also carried out by e-mail or instant messaging by directing a user to enter details at a fake website claiming to be that of a financial institution, almost identical to the “real” one. A typical hook might go something like this: “We suspect an unauthorized transaction on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below and confirm your identity.”

Basically, phishing alludes to baits used to “catch” financial information and passwords. Internet-based “Phishermen” are nothing but criminals posing as representatives of a financial institution attempting to trick consumers into disclosing private information.

Don’t fall victim to these scams.  Never give your social security number, account number, or any other information based on an e-mail. If you believe your identity has been stolen, you will want to contact local law enforcement. In Okaloosa and Walton Counties, the Sheriff will investigate such complaints. Additionally, if you’ve been scammed, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft. If you need assistance in repairing your credit, you may wish to contact an attorney.

 Bill Martin is an attorney whose practice focuses in bankruptcy, real estate, construction, uniform commercial code, contract, and commercial litigation, including breach of contract, employment law and securities fraud. He graduated from the Florida State University College of Law in 1998 and then clerked for the Honorable Lacey Collier, Federal District Court Judge, Northern District of Florida. From 2000-2006 he practiced securities litigation in New York City, NY at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. He is currently Of Counsel to the newly formed firm of Keefe, Anchors, Gordon, & Moyle, P.A. with offices in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Defuniak Springs, and Tallahassee.