The Web Browser Internet Explorer 7 Can Help Protect You Against Phishing Scams:

Scams known as "Phishing scams" attempt to lure you into visiting phony Web sites where your personal information or credit card information can be collected for criminal use.

If you use Microsoft's Internet Browser software, Internet Explorer version 7, it contains a new feature, a Phishing Filter, which helps detect Phishing websites. The Phishing Filter runs in the background while you browse the web. It uses three methods to help protect you from Phishing scams.

1. It compares the addresses of websites you visit against a list of legitimate sites reported to Microsoft. This list is stored on your computer.
2. It helps analyze the sites you visit to see if they have the characteristics common to a Phishing website.
3. With your consent, Phishing Filter sends some website addresses to Microsoft to be further checked against a frequently updated list of reported Phishing websites.

If the site you are visiting is on the list of reported Phishing websites, Internet Explorer will display a warning webpage and a notification on the Address bar.
From the warning webpage, you can continue or close the page.
If the website contains characteristics common to a Phishing site but isn't on the list, Internet Explorer will only notify you in the Address bar that it might possibly be a Phishing website.

You may visit the Microsoft Web page listed here to learn more about this Phishing Filter, computer requirements, and how to update your software. www.microsoft.com