By now everyone probably has heard all about phishing. I've heard lots about it, but my spam filters and those of my e-mail provider are good enough that I don't actually get much spam or at least I don't have to look at it. Yes, I count myself among the very lucky. So, anyway I hear all about these scam e-mails that are so realistic looking that people are fooled into giving away all sorts of personal information.

Today I got a phishing letter that actually came to my inbox (wow, I felt so special), but I sure hope the people getting scammed are being fooled e-mails that aren't so obviously fake. First of all, how many of you not in Oklahoma (as I am not) are doing business with the Bank of Oklahoma (sometimes spelled Oklahomaa)? Second, I presume that those good people in Oklahoma have a reasonable grasp of English and know how to use articles in front of nouns at appropriate times, don't forget necessary verbs in really important e-mail messages and don't separate the subject from the predicate with a comma. Third, when including the URL on which to click, don't misspell the bank to which you are referring. And my advice to the phishers, spiffy graphics will fool more people than a plain e-mail.

My advice to the rest of you -- if you receive the following information do not give out any personal information.

Dear Bank of Oklahoma Customer: Your access to online account has temporary block limits for security purposes. Our Online Fraud Department, identified some unsuccessful attempts to compromise your Bank of Oklahomaa account, in order that you as valued customer of our Bank system haven't financial loss in fraud activity, we have to begin extreme measures.We encourage you, to sign on and complete verification form for increase online security of your bank account.Allowing your account access to remain limited for an extended period of time may result in further limitations on the use of your account and possible account closure.