FTC Discloses Ways to Distinguish Phishing E-mails

According to the reports coming in from FTC, as the Presidential elections are approaching in the US, hackers are seeking the opportunity to launch ID theft attacks.

With the purpose of safeguarding voters, FTC has issued an alert to the US citizens not to disclose any social security numbers or private details to unsolicited mails or calls confirming the registration of voter.

FTC added that authentic and concerned officials would contact personally to voters if they need any missing information. But they also advised that the most safe and simple way was to fill the form and submit it personally. It will eliminate all the chances of information being hacked.

FTC also states that the registration details of voters, like mail in addresses, sites and deadlines, provided by the state are available at the Election Assistance Committee Website, which can help voters to distinguish between authentic and fraudulent election site.

Also, FTC said that every US state has its own registration form, but everyone should also accept the federal registration form, except New Hampshire, Wyoming and the territories (won't accept), lowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin (voluntarily accept) and North Dakota (the state without voter registration). This is also disclosed by FTC to distinguish between an original and fake state election Website.

FTC also added another point to safeguard users from phishing mails that the guidelines for ID were given by the state at the end of the federal form. Also, some states ask for social security number but most of them require a driving license number.

Another point to differentiate between an original and fake site, as said by FTC, is that it informs the US citizens that the e-mail, which will be sent by the Election Office, will never ask to avoid any postcard or mailed request from their County Clerk/Recorder or Secretary of State's Office pointing their names to be purged off from the electoral rolls. They added that while purging takes place periodically to eliminate inactive and fake voters, there is always a factor of risk that the process can be misappropriated specially during election months by hackers or phishers.

Related article: FTC Reaches Million-Dollar Settlement For Spyware

» SPAMfighter News - 9/10/2008