Thank you, eBay Services.

Those that responded to eBay email were taken to a look alike site where their information was stolen.

Some people have received an email from IRS stating that they are conducting an e-audit and that recipient has 48 hours to supply their Social Security number and their bank account numbers. The IRS does not notify people of audit by email, nor do they conduct e-audits.

If you receive a suspicious request for personal or business information, call company using their customer service number and verify request. When you make payment or provide sensitive information, check domain address. Look for https, instead of http, at beginning of web address. Be sure to always monitor your credit card and bank statements for suspicious charges.

If you feel you have been a victim of fraudulent scams, contact your local police and file a complaint with FBI and FTC.

You can also protect yourself with insurance. Farmers, Travelers and Chubb insurance are offering identity theft insurance for a nominal fee.

The primary motivation behind these emails is identity theft. Scammers are looking to get you to their website and get your information. If authenticity of sender is questionable, call company that sent email. Most business email will also contain a phone number.

Earthlink is trying to address this problem by releasing new software. Its latest anti-spam software is available to both members and non-members. The software installs with Internet Explorer and automatically downloads a list of known “scam” websites. If you surf over to a site on list, you will receive a warning.

Given large volume of unsolicited email that must be sorted through and deleted daily by businesses, do not rely on email as your primary vehicle of communication. If information is time sensitive, it’s best to follow up with a phone call.