We need to be in continuous vigilance concerning our personal financial information. Sometimes when a subject like "Phishing" gets talked about in the media over a period of time, we begin to be sometimes too familiar with the subject and as a result, let down our guard.

Here is a brief reminder of what Phishing is:

It is a use of the email system to attempt to secure information about your personal identity or financial accounts. The scam is to basically lure consumers through the means of fake emails, to go to a web site that looks like it is connected with or is a reputable company. This is relatively easy to do since it is available right on the internet; I am referring to company logos and banners that can be instantly copied. The purpose is so that you will let down your guard and give away valuable information that can be used to get hold of your assets - including your credit rating. They are usually looking for bank account information, passwords, account usernames, credit card numbers and other such things.

Consumer Tips

To avoid becoming a victim of a phishing scam, the American Bankers Association offers these tips:

• Never give out your personal financial information in response to an unsolicited phone call, fax or email, no matter how official it may seem.
• Do not respond to email that may warn of dire consequences unless you validate
• Contact the company to confirm the e-mail's validity using a telephone number or Web address you know to be genuine.
• Check your credit card and bank account statements regularly and look for unauthorized transactions, even small ones.
• When submitting financial information online, look for the padlock or key icon at the bottom of your Internet browser. Also, many secure Internet addresses, though not all, use https to signify that your information is secure during transmission
• Report suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.

For information on identity theft, visit ABA's Consumer Connection.

This article has been contributed by Creative Reporter - Gary Bourgeault:

While been owner and manager of a number of businesses and nonprofit organizations, he finds that he gets the greatest pleasure and satisfaction of helping people to find those things that will help them in life, and make it more pleasureable and meaningul for them.