Internet scammers casting about for people's financial information have a new way to lure unsuspecting victims: they go "phishing."

Phishing, also known as "carding," is a high-tech scam that uses spam to deceive customers into disclosing highly personal financial information including account numbers, passwords, and Social Security numbers. They will tell unsuspecting customers that they need to "update" or "validate" their financial information to keep their account active. They will then direct them to a "look-alike" Web site of the legitimate business, further tricking them into thinking they are responding to a bona fide request.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning individuals not to give out that type of information to anyone over the Internet. If you should receive an email that warns you that an account of yours will be closed unless you reconfirm your personal information, do not reply. Instead, contact the company identified in the email using a telephone number or Web site address you know to be genuine.

The FTC also advises people to look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar before submitting any financial information through a Web site. This icon ensures that the site is secure.

Look at your credit card and bank statements as soon as you receive them to be certain there has been no unauthorized activity.

Suspicious activity, including attempted 'phishing,' should be reported to the FTC by sending the actual spam to uce@ftc.gov. If you need to file a complaint, notify the FTC at www.ftc.gov.

Rest assured that TIB Bank will never ask you to validate or update your personal financial information over the Internet or over the phone. If someone contacts you stating that they represent TIB Bank and they need your financial information, please hang up and notify us at once at 1-800-233-6330. Your information, like your money, will always be safe and secure with TIB Bank.