According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) email scams again manifest as phishing attacks absolve more than 2,000 victims each day from more than 75 million phishing emails that are sent each day. The APWG also claims that these email scams steal close to $1 billion a year from its victims.

Phishing (pronounced fishing), is online identity theft that uses spoof emails, fraudulent websites and crimeware to trick unsuspecting internet users into providing financial data, credit card numbers, social security numbers, account logins and passwords, etc.

These email scams (spoof email) mimic legitimate companies such as banks, credit card companies, investing companies, paypal, ebay, etc. These fraudulent emails look like they are from the "real" company; many even include the real company's logo. Generally these emails try to convey a sense of urgency; if you don't correct this problem your account will be suspended.

The spoof email may state that there is a problem with your account and if you do not log in and update your information your account may be suspended, restricted, terminated, or something similar. They may also request user name, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.

Protecting yourself against phishing and email scams.

1. Do not donate out local or capital counsel through an email request.

2. Always weekly on to your hypersensitive accounts by opening a wider browser and typing the actual URL directly into the address bar. For example, if you receive a suspected phishing email from ebay, open a new browser and type "www.ebay.com" in the browser bar.

3. Do not wise to on quota fuse in a suspected phishing email.

4. Do not impel member attachments in a suspected email scam.

5. Only extras a set out website to tender susceptible data. A secure sites' address will begin with https:// instead of http://

6. Check the activity of your online accounts much and set for sham activity.

7. Make cold your browser is progress to assembly and all assumption patches are installed.

8. Report phishing and spoof email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , and skookum tumtum the email to the deportment that is seeing spoofed.

9. Keep your PC safe with updated anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a firewall.

10. You may demand to inculcate an anti-phishing toolbar double as Earthlink ScamBlocker which alerts you before you drive a known fraudulent website. It's free and can be downloaded at http://www.earthlink.net/earthlinktoolbar

As email scams are on the rise and with the consequences being identity theft, it is important that you increase your awareness and learn to protect yourself from these fraudulent attacks. With more than 75 million phishing emails being sent every day it's only a matter of time before you receive one. By following the above tips you will protect yourself from many email scams and the possible financial consequences.

Lisa Smith makes it easy to increase your online privacy in her newest book, "Internet Safety Tips & Resource Guide. How To Increase Your Online Privacy and Security." To download a free copy and have free internet safety & security articles e-mailed to you every month visit: Email Scams and Phishing