Phishing e-mails have nearly doubled in the past year in New Jersey, and one group is offering advice on how to avoid taking the bait.

According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, more than 7,000 attack programs are circulated through the Internet trying to trick people into giving out personal information. Group officials say as a result of the e-mails, billions of dollars have been lost for businesses and individuals.

The group says people can protect themselves from criminals ?phishing? for information. Residents should never click on links in an e-mail from an unknown sender or e-mail personal or financial information. According to the group, people should know that secure Web sites usually start with ?https,? not ?http.? Also, people should make sure their antivirus programs and firewalls are set to scan e-mails.