When you are on vacation, it may be easier to fall victim to fraud.

Pam checked her e-mails while away and was alarmed to discover a notice from a bank stating that her account was over her credit limit and she need to contact the bank immediately.

Using the info provided in the email, she called the bank and was asked for her social security number in order to access her account. At first she refused, but the woman on the phone talked with her “supervisor” and told Pam the only way the problem could be corrected was with Pam’s social security number. Well, unfortunately, Pam complied. Then the woman told Pam there had been a mistake and that Pam did not have an account with the bank.

Oops! Pam contacted us in a bit of a panic, worried about what to do. Unfortunately, the email really looked legit. If I weren’t aware of phishing I would have believed it was authentic. Think two or three times before you respond to this type of e-mail.