All Internet users should be aware of the possibility of online fraud and scams collectively known as “spoofing”. The most common types of “spoofing” are called phishing (pronounced “fishing”) and pharming (pronounced “farming”). Spoofing involves the use of the internet to acquire sensitive personal information from users.

Phishing:
Phishing eMails typically ask you to click a link to visit a Web site where you are asked to enter or confirm personal information such as account numbers, passwords, Social Security number, credit card numbers, and/or expiration dates. Although these Web sites may appear legitimate, they are not. Criminals send these phony eMail messages or direct someone to a fraudulent website for one reason; to steal personal information.

Pharming:
Pharming refers to a technique of changing Domain Name System (DSN) servers. In such attacks, website domains (such as www.usa.canon.com) are actually re-directed by hackers to link to the fraudulent Internet address instead of the Canon servers. Personal information of the re-directed user can then be acquired on the fraudulent site. While this is less common than it was a few years ago, it is still possible and consumers should always use precautions to protect themselves.

Take Precautions:
As you conduct business online, taking a few simple precautions can go a long way toward protecting your personal information.

• Be wary of unsolicited eMail. Phishers send eMails that look like they are from legitimate companies. These eMails frequently include typos and other mistakes, terms the company may not use, or eMail addresses that look different than ones the company uses.
  

• Check the URL of the website. Although pharming may affect a URL, it is helpful (but not foolproof), to make sure the URL either begins with www.usa.canon.com, www.PowerShot.com, www.canondv.com, www.CanonEOS.com, or www.Canonprojectors.com. If you have any questions about the authenticity of a Canon URL, please contact a Canon customer service representative at 1-800-828-4040.
  

• Take caution when using wireless technology or public computers (including libraries, internet cafes, and schools). Monitoring can easily be done without your knowledge.
  

• Be cautious of downloading software. Installing unknown software on your computer can put your personal information at risk and potentially harm your computer’s hard drive. Make sure the software comes from a legitimate website, not an eMail message.

Recent phishing scams:
Canon recently discovered an online promotion that suggested you could purchase Canon products for unreasonably low prices directly from Canon. This was a fraudulent attempt to steal credit card numbers. This is not associated with Canon USA or Canon Inc. in any way. If you receive or come across a promotion using Canon’s name that looks suspicious in any way, please contact a Canon customer service representative at 1/800/828-4040.