Phishing, pronounced "fishing," is a social engineering technique thieves use to fish for your personal financial information (account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information) that they can use to access your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards.

With the sensitive information obtained from a successful phishing scam, thieves can take out loans and obtain credit cards and driver's licenses in your name. They can do damage to your financial history and personal reputation that can take years to unravel, but if you understand how phishing works and how to protect yourself, you can help stop this crime.