Phishing is the illegal practice of sending fraudulent e-mails with links to legitimate-looking websites. "Phishers" do this to deceive users into disclosing sensitive personal information.
What phishers want
Phishers seek private information so they may access your existing accounts at banks, credit card or other companies, and even set up new accounts in your name. The data they seek includes:
- Username
- Password or PIN
- Credit card validation (CCV) code
- ATM/debit or credit card number
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Bank account number
DIRECTV will never ask you to provide such sensitive information through e-mail. If we require any information from you, we will always direct you to our website.
Identify phishing e-mails
Here are a few signs that an e-mail is fraudulent.
- You are pressured to act quickly to avoid a negative impact on your account, such as being charged a fee or having your account suspended.
- The e-mail contains obvious spelling errors. These errors help phishers avoid spam filters many internet providers use.
- There's an attachment which, when opened, may release a dangerous virus. DIRECTV will never send you e-mail with attachments. If you receive a message that appears to be from DIRECTV that includes an attachment, do not open it.
- Links in the website contain all or part of a real company's name. Clicking on these links may take you to fraudulent websites or pop-up windows that ask you to provide, update or confirm sensitive personal information
While e-mails from DIRECTV may include links, they are provided for your convenience only. You may always open a new browser window and type the web address directly into your address bar. You may also use a shortcut, such as directv.com/signin to access your account.
Identify fraudulent websites
Fraudulent or "spoof" websites can be difficult to detect because the address in your browser window can be faked to make it look like a real website.
- Always check the address in your browser. A fraudulent website may contain strange symbols or numbers such as http://signin.directv.com@10.23.92.4/.
- If you suspect you may be on a fraudulent DIRECTV website, open a new browser window and type www.directv.com into the address bar.
Reporting suspicious e-mails
If you've received an e-mail from a mysterious sender, investigate it before clicking any links. If you suspect that it's fraudulent, forward it to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov without changing or retyping the subject line. Such changes may inhibit the ability to investigate it properly.
If you suspect you've received a fraudulent DIRECTV e-mail, please forward it to us at emailfraud@directv.com.
For more information about identity theft and online safety, visit the FTC identity theft resource at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or call the FTC at 1-877-IDTHEFT.
