The government and various
businesses are constantly encouraging people to report phishing websites in
order to end the growing problem with phishing scams. Since phishers are
constantly employing various methods to deceive their victims and continue with
their schemes, it is becoming more difficult for the government and businesses
to keep up with all their stunts. This is one of the reasons why the
contribution of phishing scam victims is very important in resolving further
phishing scams.
People who report phishing websites
are often manipulated into providing their bank, credit card details or even
personal information through the use of false email correspondence. Since email
is the fastest and cheapest way to reach out to the highest number of victims,
it is no surprise that many phishing scams begin through the use of
communication platform. This is also the reason why there are an overwhelming
number of phishing website victims every year, which is why the government and
all concerned establishments are working together to convince victims to step
up and report phishing attacks that they have encountered. There are many
reasons why you should actually do this and take part in this campaign. To give
you some ideas, see the list below:
Why Report Phishing Websites
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When you report phishing websites you are not only helping yourself, you are also helping other potential victims. Your
report can serve as a warning to others of a possible phishing attack. This way
affected communities can take necessary steps to secure their own interest.
●
The sooner you report about a phishing site the
sooner you can find out how and who is using the information that was stolen
from you.
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Also, once you file a complaint about your
stolen information authorities and relevant agencies can place an alert on your
bank or credit account in case the scammer uses your information for their own
malicious intent. This does not only
protect your assets, but it also helps find the scammer behind the phishing
attack.
●
Your report automatically waves your involvement
in any crime committed using your stolen information. Your report or complaint
can serve as an evidence that you are unaware that your account is being
utilized to conduct illegal or criminal activities.
●
Victims who report phishing scams are given
access to government programs that can help address relevant problems to the
scam such as identity theft. These programs include recovering good credit
standing and protection of resources from any future or further malicious attacks.
●
In some cases, the government may even offer you
access to their partner charitable institutions who help provide free legal
counselling so you know how to move forward with your complaint.
●
When you report phishing websites that are
illegally using the name of legit businesses you are also alerting the
concerned businesses to improve their company's security measures in order to
prevent a similar incident from happening in the future.
The details provided above are just
some of the reasons why you should report phishing websites. When you report
phishing websites you are not only helping the government fight malicious
attacks used against innocent victims, you are also unlocking various
protections given to victims of phishing scams.