Phishing is an attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information (i.e. passwords, credit card information, etc.) by masquerading as a trustworthy person or business. Phishing email or messages will often contain official-looking logos from real businesses and organizations. These logos are stolen directly from legitimate websites.

To make these Phishing email messages look authentic they may place a link in the email that would appear to go to a legitimate website when in fact it will take you to a fake scam site (also known as a spoofed website). This link may also be a pop-up window that will look exactly like the real website. Once you are taken to this spoofed website you might think that the website is real and legitimate and unknowingly give them your personal information.

Windstream, as well as most legitimate businesses, will never ask for any sensitive information in an email. Confidential information should always be entered only on secure web pages.