Verizon Wireless is dealing with the appearance of fraudulent “look-a-like” websites purporting to offer special discounts and features for customers willing to give up account information that could expose them to future fraud.

In the most recent examples, “VZ for Me” and “It’s Fall at Verizon,” customers are asked to give up their Verizon login and phone information that could result in phone cloning and service theft.

The latest generation of phony websites are virtually indistinguishable from legitimate ones, with fully functioning web pages and depth of content. The only two giveaways:

1. The website does not use the appropriate URL (vzforme.com and itsfallatverizon.com vs. verizonwireless.com);
2. Once logged in, the website cannot actually divulge any account information it never had access to, unless the customer supplies it themselves.

News reports about the sites have triggered actions ranging from browser blocks, which warn about potentially fraudulent sites and Verizon Wireless’ own successful takedown campaign.

Consumers are advised to avoid any links found in e-mail messages or web pages that offer to take you to a company’s website. The safest way is always to type the web address yourself.

KIFI in Idaho Falls reports on its special investigation of phony Verizon Wireless websites phishing for customer data.  (3 minutes)

Other stories of interest:

1. Thousands Getting Fake Verizon Wireless e-Bills; One of the Best Phishing Scams Yet
2. Verizon Wireless Fraud Alert: Malware Redirects Web Visitors to Fake VZ Website
3. Verizon Wireless Shutting Down Michigan Call Center; 750 Workers Displaced
4. Verizon Wireless: Our ‘Recertified’-Used Phone Replacements Are Better Than Factory Fresh Phones
5. Verizon Reportedly Blocking Unofficial Tethering Software: Customers Redirected to $20 Tether Offer