How to avoid email scams

The number and sophistication of phishing scams sent out to consumers is continuing to increase dramatically. While online banking and e-commerce is very safe, as a general rule you should be careful about giving out your personal financial information over the Internet. The Anti-Phishing Working Group has compiled a list of recommendations that you can use to avoid becoming a victim of these scams.
Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal information
Phishers typically include upsetting or exciting (but false) statements in their emails to get people to react immediately
They typically ask for information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, date of birth, etc.
Don't use the links in an email, instant message, or chat to get to any web page if you suspect the message might not be authentic
Instead, call the company on the telephone, or log onto the website directly by typing in the web address in your browser
You should only communicate information such as credit card numbers or account information via a secure website
Always ensure that you're using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your web browser