Have you ever received strange emails from unknown senders inviting you to click on a link to learn more? You have probably received an email with a phishing link.

What happens is that these emails are part of phishing schemes. Phishing generally means that someone sends you fake or bogus emails with bad links in them. These links invite you to click on their bogus sites (i.e. not government sites at all) and submit some of your personal (confidential) information: maybe your complete name, social security number, etc. Some emails even have spyware attachments on them.

Identity thieves, or thieves who focus on identity theft issues, send out thousands of fake emails almost on a regular basis, saying they’re representing government entities. So, be alert if you receive emails saying they’re from the Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service or other government agency or department. These emails may be trying to trick you.

Spyware is computer software that is installed stealthily on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user’s interaction with the computer, without the user’s knowledge or consent.

One government department alone, the Treasury Department, reported receiving over 23,000 complaints about IRS-related phishing schemes since November 2005. Most involve hoax emails telling recipients that they have a pending tax refund and are under investigation. Do not click on links inside emails from government agencies.

Government agencies rarely communicate via email, and if they do, it’s in response to something you initiated most often. They communicate via postal mail.

Windows posts updates regularly, especially security patches. Make sure you download these or at least check monthly for updates. Mark your Outlook or other calendar and check regularly. So arm yourself: your computer and email for identity theft protection. Better safe then sorry!

Most agencies are listed on the web nowadays with contact information readily available. If you receive communications that you are unsure of, call the agency first to see if the emails are legitimate.

Do not click on or save attachments that come with government emails. Delete these files. Unfortunately, sometimes even the best security isn’t good enough. Computers are expensive, and it makes sense to protect your investment from anything that could harm it.

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