Never respond to an unsolicited e-mail that asks for detailed financial information. Know whom you are dealing with.

Report anything suspicious to the proper authorities. Alert the company or government agency identified in the suspect e-mail through a Web address or telephone number that you know is legitimate.

You can also contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ifccfbi.gov -- a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center – if you think you have received a phishing e-mail or have been directed to a phishy-looking Web site.