Wikipedia describes computer phishing scams:
Phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Communications purporting to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT administrators are commonly used to lure the unsuspecting public. Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail or instant messaging, and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one. Phishing is an example of social engineering techniques used to fool users, and exploits the poor usability of current web security technologies.
Remember to avoid these scams by going directly to the site instead of clicking on a link sent to you in an email.
Here’s an email I just got. It’s either a classic phishing email, an attempt to infect your computer with a virus, or both.
From: Paypal <Services@support.com>
Subject: Your account has been temporarily limited
Date: November 12, 2010 1:26:37 PM EST
Dear customer,
Your account has been temporarily limited
Click here to resolve the problem
Thank You.
* Please do not reply to this email, as your reply will not be received. This is an automatic notification of new security messages.
Sincerely,
PayPal Security Department Team.