BellSouth reminds its customers to be aware of potential Internet fraud schemes that seek to acquire personal information. "Phishing" and "spoofing" are tricks Internet fraud scammers use to obtain customer account or personal information. Internet scammers create e-mails and Web sites that appear authentic — utilizing corporate images and logos to trick customers into providing sensitive personal information.

1. Request customers to verify or confirm their personal or account information or risk having their accounts suspended.
2. Ask for personal or account information such as:
   • Credit and Check Card numbers and expiration dates
   • Credit Card/Check Card ATM PIN (Personal Identification Number)
   • Checking Account numbers
   • Other confidential information
3. Include links that appear to have a legitimate company's name or Web address.
4. Disguise or forge the sender's e-mail address so they appear to be from a legitimate company.
5. Include misspelled words and incorrect grammar.

1. Never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited e-mails.
2. Keep anti-virus and anti-spam filtering software on your computers up to date.
3. Monitor accounts and credit reports. The three major credit bureaus are:
   • Equifax 1-800-525-6285
   • Experian 1-888-397-3742
   • TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
4. Forward any suspicious unsolicited e-mail request for personal or account information to BellSouth Customer Service