SCAM

What is a SCAM?

A fraudulent scheme performed by a dishonest individual,group, or company in an attempt obtain money or something else of value. Scams traditionally resided inconfidence tricks, where an individual would misrepresent themselves as someone with skill or authority, i.e. a doctor,lawyer, investor. After the internet became widely used, new forms of scams emerged such as lottery scams, scam baiting, email spoofing, phishing, or request for helps. These are considered to be email fraud. Also see phishing, scheme.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/scam.html

What is a PHISHING?

The act of acquiring private or sensitive data from personal computers for use in fraudulent activities. Phishing is usually done by sending emails that seem to appear to come from credible sources (however, they are in no way affiliated with the actual source/company), which requireusers to put in personal data such as a credit card number or social security number. This information is then transmitted to the hacker and utilized to commit acts offraud. Some of the criminals behind phishing scams have even gone so far as to create websites that appear to beoperated by government agencies. Many virus programsand email providers have developed software in attempt to combat the problem.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/phishing.html