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Phishing & Website Fraud

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You are on: What is phishing?

Phishing is a common online scam designed to trick you into disclosing your personal or financial information for the purpose of financial fraud or identity theft.

Here's how it works:

  • You receive an unsolicited email appearing to be from a legitimate company. A typical phishing email will give you a phoney reason, such as a security breach or contest, to trick you into providing your personal information.
  • The email will often include a reason that urges you to click on a link that takes you to a fake website.
  • That fake website will look authentic by copying the brand name and logo of the real company. This phoney site will ask you for personal information such as credit card numbers, account numbers, passwords, date of birth, driver's license number, and social insurance or social security numbers.

While you may think you are giving your information to a valid company, instead you are providing it to a fraudster!

Why did I receive a phishing email?

You received a phishing email simply because your email address has ended up in the hands of a fraudster. Email addresses are easily obtained and shared on the Internet – just like phone numbers and mailing addresses. But, other than having your email address, it is unlikely the fraudster knows anything else about you – not even your name.

So, these fraudsters need to do three things to be successful.

  • target companies with large numbers of customers...the more, the better!
  • send thousands of phishing emails in order to reach as many of these customers as possible (many of the emails are also received by non-customers).
  • write the email messages in such a way as to trick people into revealing their confidential information.

Click on the above tabs to learn how you can protect yourself against this type of scam!

You are on: Recognizing Phishing Emails tab

Recognizing Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are becoming more sophisticated and can be tricky to spot. Being able to recognize phishing emails can help prevent you from becoming a victim.

Below is an example of a phishing email. Click on the number to learn more.

Email
Phishing emails often begin with a generic greeting such as "Dear Client" rather than addressing you by name.Some emails will refer to a "problem" with your account and urge you to access a link to verify your information. No legitimate company will notify you of a problem through an unsolicited email.There is often a sense of urgency in the email encouraging you to respond immediately.Many emails have links that look valid but lead to a fake website. Here's a tip: move your mouse over the link in the email until a small box appears with the URL (web address). If the web address in the box is different from what you see in the email, the link may lead to a fake site. Do not click on this link.

Recognizing Fake Websites

A fake or "spoofed" website can look just like a company's real site. Look for these telltale signs to help you spot a fake website.

Below is an example of a spoofed website. Click on the letter to learn more.

Web site
Ensure the address in your browser's address bar begins with 'https' when entering personal information. That means your information is being secured. If the address begins with only 'http' do not enter any information.Always look for a lock icon on the browser. Double-click the lock to display the security certificate. If there is no lock icon or if you are at all unsure about the information in the certificate do not sign on or enter any personal information.

Also be wary of security alerts or unusual pop-up messages requiring input while you are on a website.

If you are unsure if the website is a valid RBC company site play it safe. Do not sign in or enter any personal information. Instead, contact us.

You are on: Protecting yourself tab

Protecting yourself

Follow these tips to help you avoid falling victim to phishing scams:

  • Never provide your confidential or financial information over the Internet in response to unsolicited emails.

  • Play it safe! If you don't know the source of an email or if it looks suspicious, do not open it.

  • Be cautious! Even if you recognize a sender's email address, do not rely on that alone because addresses may be faked. Pay attention to the contents of the email and be careful of any embedded links.

  • Never click on a link in an email that you suspect may be fake.

  • Be sure! If you are unsure whether you are on a legitimate website, reopen your internet browser and type the company URL in the address bar yourself.

  • Before you enter confidential or financial information online, check for the lock icon on your browser. Ensure the URL in the browser address bar starts with "https."

  • Be alert! Just because an email or website appears to be from a legitimate company doesn't mean it is. Phishing schemes are designed to look real to trick users into divulging personal information for the purpose of financial fraud or identity theft.