Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware

You know that your bank does not contact you and ask that you provide your account number, debit card number or PIN. Many of us have seen those emails and many, if not most, are from banks we don't even have account with. These are phishing expeditions where every email address a scam artist can send the message to, will get it.

Hello texting on your cell phone. Phishing expeditions are growing on cell phones as texting is becoming a common means of communication, and as many new cell phones were given as holiday gifts. Recently the Pittsburg PA police department warned that customers in dozens of states are getting messages on their Sprint cellular phones from dozens of banks, asking for confidential information.

Customers need to be suspicious. This is the case even if your caller ID tells you it is your bank calling or sending you a text message. "Spoofing" is a trick that allows the caller to contact you and make it appear as though it is your bank.

Remember, most banks simply will not call or text you and ask that you give them your information. If you have a question or receive a text message or email, call your bank using a known telephone number and not a "special one" provided in the message. You are your first line of defense. And by defeating these scam artists, the dollars saved may be your own.