Never reply or respond to email that requests information such as your password, your birth date, your credit card and bank account numbers, your Social Security number, or any other sensitive information. No legitimate institution will ask for these details over e-mail. If you receive an e-mail directing you to a phone number or website to provide this information, do not use the contact information or links provided in the message. Instead, contact the institution using their officially published phone number or website and ask for instructions.