Beware of phishing e-mail

Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) reminds constituents that with the new year can come an influx of e-mails, sometimes with promises of increased or new credit lines to lure unsuspecting victims. This identity theft scam, known as "phishing," makes it possible for a con artist to steal a victim's identity and run up huge bills in that person's name.

The state Banking Department has issued warnings to consumers about e-mails that ask for personal or identifying information while appearing to come from financial institutions and other well-known companies. Thieves use the scheme to trick people into providing their personal information, including account passwords, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, personal identification numbers and other private financial information.

"I urge everyone to keep track of their billing records," Reilich said. "Report any fraudulent activity to your bank immediately."

The e-mails may look authentic, right down to the use of an institution's logo and marketing slogans. The e-mails often describe a situation that requires immediate attention and warn that the account will be terminated unless the e-mail recipients verify their account information by clicking on a provided link. Banking Department employees say they have seen bogus e-mails purporting to be from Citibank, SunTrust Banks, PayPal and others.

For information on phishing and how to avoid becoming a victim, visit www.phishinginfo.org to access a fact sheet about this identity theft crime. According to Reilich, in addition to regulating banking institutions, the Banking Department is active in informing and educating all New Yorkers on banking matters. To contact the Banking Department, call toll-free (877) BANK-NYS (226-5697) or visit www.banking.state.ny.us.