Pharming is a hacker’s attack aiming to redirect a website’s traffic to another bogus website. Hackers redirect a legitimate Web site’s traffic to an impostor site, where you’ll be asked to provide confidential information. Common targets are ecommerce and online banking websites. Pharming is used to steal identity information.
To help protect yourself from pharming, you should always take advantage of security features provided by your online banking site. In addition, keep your confidential information private. Your bank or credit card company won’t call or e-mail to ask for your account information. Monitor your bank and credit card transactions for unauthorized use. If you conduct business online, use your own computer. A public computer is less secure.
If you suspect your identity may be compromised, place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus. When you place an alert, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report. After that, take advantage of the free annual reports the bureaus are required to give all consumers. Stagger your requests so that you get a report every four months.
Also, consider making an identity-theft report to the police and get a copy. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Close accounts that have been tampered with. Contact each company by phone and again by certified letter. Make sure the company notifies you in writing that the disputed charges have been erased. Document each conversation and keep all records.
