The company has been working hard to cut back on costs, which is one of the reasons they have been able to increase profits and consistent growth. Ford plans to also invest $2 billion back into their plants in Michigan due to tax breaks being provided by the state. This plan could potentially bring more than 2,000 jobs to the state and those workers who were previously laid off would get their jobs back first. Newly hired employees will be offered work at reduced wages.

Ford has made quite a turn around in just a year. With most automakers in the US filing for bankruptcy one year ago, Ford is on track to be ahead of the pack. While the worldwide sales of Ford have been on the decline, Ford plans to counter this by adding more products to the current market. They also have plans to continue reducing the debt they have.

Ford (NYSE: F) Flourishing Without Government Help was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

“Phishing” is a type of fraud in which emails are used to procure information from consumers. Emails are set up to look exactly like a bank, retailer, or other company that does business with consumers. The emails can be sent to anyone and in the event it hits the right target, a scam artist can get just about any bit of information they seek. The emails mimic other emails a customer might receive from a company they trust and without noticing subtle differences the consumer may fall for the scam and reply to an email with their social security numbers, personal password information, and other confidential account information. With all of the chaos on Wall Street recently, scammers are using the opportunity to impersonate some of the struggling companies and prey further on their customers.

So what can you do to protect yourself from such an email scam? There are a number of steps to take to ensure you are not being taken for a ride. 

1. Check Certifications

Because many reputable companies have been used in phishing scams, many of them have begun using more advanced security systems when it comes to email correspondence. They will use CertifiedEmail, which physically shows a blue ribbon envelope in each email to assure customers the message is legitimate. Of course most companies will tell you straight out that they will NEVER ask for personal or confidential information via email.

2. Remain Doubtful

Because most companies will not ask for sensitive information via email, it is best to remain skeptical of anyone asking for any information from you. Scammers are good and can often trick unsuspecting customers into believing they “must act now or else…”. If you ever feel concerned about email communication, do not hesitate to contact the company by phone directly and explain the situation. DO NOT use any phone numbers provided in a suspicious email to confirm identity. Get phone numbers directly from your bank statement, back of your credit card, or from the phone book.

3. Never Open an Attachment

If you do not know the sender of an email that has an attachment, never open anything. A reputable company will never send you an attachment as they can be hazardous to your computer system and they are extremely insecure.

4. Never Click a Direct Link

Phishing emails are notorious for including a link for convenience. Links can wreak havoc on your computer because they often will take you to a site where additional personal information can be gathered or where viruses can be launched. If you are not sure of the legitimacy of the sender, type the address to the business yourself into the web browser.

 5. Bring in the Law

There are many organizations and law enforcement agencies that work to stop such malicious attacks on consumers. If you receive an email that you suspect is phishing for information, forward the email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org and help protect other innocent people from becoming a victim of fraud.

For more consumer information about email fraud, visit Anti-Phishing Working Group.

Bad Economy Brings Phishing to the Forefront was created by and is property of American Consumer News.