Spoof emails can be a major problem for unsuspecting Internet users. Claiming to be sent by well-known companies, these emails ask consumers to reply with personal information, such as their credit card number, banking details or account password.

These deceptive emails are called "spoof emails" because they fake the appearance of a popular website or company in an attempt to commit identity theft. Also known as "hoax" or "phisher" emails, this practice is occurring more and more frequently throughout the online world.

One common example of a spoof email can be seen on the right -- forms requesting personal information within the email are a clear indication of spoof. Do not respond to these.

Think an email is a spoof?
Forward it to spoof@ebay.com.