Phishing "Phishes Me Off"
Disclaimer

Sorry about that but it does. The following I've gleaned from Bell Sympatico and it gives a good description of what Phishing is all about:

"Phishing" — also called "carding" — is a general term for the use of fraudulent e-mail messages and Web sites designed to deceive Internet users into disclosing their bank and financial account information or other personal data such as usernames and passwords. The "phishers" then take that information and use it for criminal purposes, such as identity theft and fraud.

The messages and Web sites used by phishers are designed to look like e-mails and Web sites of well known legitimate businesses, financial institutions, and government agencies, often using the familiar logos of these organizations and imitating the look and feel of the real Web sites and e-mail communications of these organizations.

How Does Phishing Work?

In a typical phishing scam, the phisher sends an e-mail to a consumer stating that the consumer needs to update or validate their billing information to keep their accounts active. The e-mail either requests an e-mail response or directs the consumer to a look-alike Web site of the legitimate business, further tricking consumers into thinking they are responding to a real request. Unknowingly, consumers may submit their financial information to the scammers, who use it to order goods and services and obtain credit.

How Can You Avoid Phishers?

To avoid getting caught by one of these scams, Internet users should keep in mind the following:

• Be aware of the customer communication policies of the companies with which you do business. Know what types of messages they will send and what information, if any, they will request via e-mail. See the Bell Sympatico E-mail Communication Policy,
• Be wary of any e-mail with urgent requests for personal financial information
• If you are suspicious about its origin, don't use the links in an e-mail to get to any Web page - instead, contact the apparent sender using channels you know to be authentic -- telephone, e-mail or Web site
• Avoid filling out forms in e-mail messages that ask for personal financial information

More information on phishing:

• Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
• Competition Bureau: Fraud Prevention Forum
• Anti-Phishing Working Group

If you feel that you have received a "phished" e-mail, please contact us.