Bronson Warns About AOL 'Phishing' Scam

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is warning the public not to fall for the latest "phishing" scam that is fraudulently using the name of Internet provider America Online.

Consumers are receiving e-mails from what claims to be the "AOL Safety and Security Team" requesting them to verify their billing and account information. If not, their Internet account will be closed.

The Consumer Services department's consumer fraud investigators verified with the e-mails are fraudulent and that AOL does not contact customers and ask for personal information via email. The e-mails are designed to get personal information from people in order to steal their identity.

Phishing scams are fairly common and this is just another variation of other scams, Bronson said. In the past, con artists have pretended to be banks, using realistic-looking websites and also requesting personal information.

However, Bronson is concerned that because AOL is so well known, consumers may think the e-mail is actually from the company and provide their personal information.

Bronson is reminding consumers that if they get an e-mail or popup message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply, and do not click on the link as doing so likely will connect the person to a fake website.

Legitimate companies do not ask for personal information through e-mail. Consumers who are concerned about their account should contact the business directly by phone or by typing in the correct web address in their browser.

"The bottom line is people should never provide personal and financial information on-line, over the phone or through the mail unless they have initiated the contact and are certain they are dealing with a legitimate organization," Bronson said.

To report suspicious activity or file a complaint, contact the Consumer Hotline at 800-435-7352, or http://www.800helpfla.com.