Phishing emails and phone scams are more common than ever. Spear-phishing tactics, where scammers research victims and impersonate people they know, are becoming even more sophisticated.

Email scams often use threat tactics to scare recipients into transferring money. If you receive ANY email asking for money or your password, DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY! No legitimate organization will ever ask you for your password, and you should NEVER give out your password, no matter who asks.

Phone scams will often claim something is wrong with your computer, manipulate your bank accounts, or try to give you a "refund" then trick you into buying gift cards for them when they "refund" too much. Always exercise caution answering numbers you don't recognize--better yet, let them go to voicemail. HANG UP on unsolicited calls from extended warranties, "Microsoft," your "bank," or any call that asks you to buy gift cards. If you need to handle any of these things, go to the provider's Web site or call them directly.

Check out our information on scams on our Viruses and Phishing information page. You can also check our Debunker page for examples of phishing emails, as well as real emails.