Microsoft Phishing Filter at a Glance
Microsoft Phishing Filter Add-in for MSN Search Toolbar
Phishing (pronounced "Fishing") is one of the fastest growing threats on the Internet and a form of identity theft. It refers to high-tech scams using phony Web sites with actual brands designed to steal valuable personal information such as user names, passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers.
Phishers use many tactics including creating and sending e-mail messages or links to fraudulent Web sites or that appear to be valid in an attempt to fool you into submitting personal, financial, and password information.
Often an e-mail will be sent containing a link taking you to a fraudulent Web site appearing to be valid (like your bank or mortgage company) so that you'll enter your personal information. By using well-known, trusted brand names and logos, phishers are able to convince you to respond to them.
The Phishing Filter Add-in offers access to a new dynamic online service, updated several times an hour, to warn you and help protect your personal information from these fraudulent Web sites by:
| • | Scanning Web sites you visit and warning you if they are potentially suspicious. |
| • | Dynamically checking the Web sites you visit with up-to-the-hour online information via an online service run by Microsoft and blocking you from sharing personal information if a site is a known phishing Web site. |
Free Download
Download the Microsoft Phishing Filter Add-in for MSN Search Toolbar
For More Information
To learn more about phishing, how it works, and how to avoid it, visit the following resources:
Help Thwart Online Scams with Microsoft Phishing Filter
Microsoft Safety Anti-Phishing Home Page
Downloadable Brochure: Help Protect Against Phishing Fraud