nternet “phishing” scams are one of the fastest-growing frauds today. Phishing typically involves a bogus e-mail message that uses legitimate materials, such as a company’s Web site graphics and logos, in an attempt to entice e-mail recipients to provide personal financial details, such as credit card and Social Security numbers.

Financial institutions, government agencies, retailers, credit card companies and many other organizations have seen their Web site graphics, including corporate logos and other materials, “borrowed” by fraudsters intent on tricking consumers into divulging personal financial information by responding to an official-looking, but entirely bogus, e-mail.

Like many cons and scams, phishing preys on the unwary. Here’s how you can keep your guard up, and help fight back against this form of fraud.