Online Swindlers, Called Phishers, Lure Unwary
From The New York Times: Phishing attacks are growing rapidly, impersonating Internet service providers, online merchants and banks. Government officials and private investigators say all signs point to gangs of organized criminals — most likely in Eastern Europe — as being behind many of the latest efforts.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/24/technology/24PHIS.html?pagewanted=print&position=
Simply assume that if you receive a request for invasive personal information via email, it’s a phony. Contact the company allegedly sending you this thing and ask for details first.