Phishing (pronounced "Fishing") is one of the fastest growing threats on the Internet and a form of identity theft. It refers to high-tech scams using phony web sites with actual brands designed to steal valuable personal information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers.

Phishers use many tactics including creating and sending links to fraudulent Web sites or e-mail messages that appear to be valid in an attempt to fool you into submitting personal, financial, and password information.

Microsoft Phishing Filter Add-in for MSN Search Toolbar is an online service that protect your personal information.

Often an e-mail will be sent containing a link taking you to a fraudulent Web site appearing to be valid (like your bank or mortgage company) so that you'll enter your personal information. By using well-known, trusted brand names and logos, phishers are able to convince you to respond to them.

The Phishing Filter Add-in offers access to the beta version of a new dynamic online service, updated several times an hour to warn you and help protect your personal information from these fraudulent websites by:
· Scanning websites you visit and warning you if they are potentially suspicious.
· Dynamically checking the web sites you visit with up to the hour online information via an online service run by Microsoft and blocking you from sharing personal information if a site is a known phishing website

Requirements:

· MSN Search Toolbar 2.50
· Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
· Microsoft Internet Explorer 6