|
Phishing Email Scam Claims to Help Fight Terrorism
Several credit unions have reported phishing attempts designed to obtain several key pieces of personal information.
The fraudsters' email starts by suggesting that you can help the government fight terrorism and related money laundering by verifying your personal information. Then, they attempt to lead consumers to a counterfeit Web site designed to trick recipients into divulging financial data, such as credit card numbers, account user names, passwords and Social Security numbers.
Detecting a fraudulent e-mail can be difficult. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information.
- Don't use the links in such an email.
- Phisher emails are typically NOT personalized.
Below is a copy of a recent phishing attempt reported to authorities:
|
Notice to All Members!
Valued Member,
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all Credit Unions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who has an account, including investors in transactions for which we act as advisor.
What this means for you:
If you are a member of any Credit Union please provide your name, social security number, address, and date of birth, financial information and/or other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver's license or other identifying documents.
Please follow the link below to continue:
[Link has been removed for your protection]
We appreciate your cooperation with this. Thank you.
Sincerely,
|
Don't be fooled, and NEVER give out personal information asked for by email. Neither Bay Cities nor any other reputable financial institution will ever ask you for your personal information via email.
Phishing Has a New Twist -- "Vishing"
Fraudsters are now sending spam to victims that their accounts were supposedly compromised. There is no website address in these Vishing emails. Instead, the victim is urged to call a phone number to verify account details. The bottom line, protect your account information. Neither Bay Cities or any other financial institution will never send you an email asking for personal information about your account!
Both Phishing and Vishing use bogus emails to capture your personal information. In these scams, you may receive an email that looks like an official email from a financial institution or reputable company. Most recently, eBay has been attacked. Within the email, the scam artists will cite the need to verify your account information. They ask you to click on a link that will take you to a bogus site. This bogus site can easily fool you, as it looks exactly like the company's official web site. But, it's set up to collect your sensitive financial information.
Verified by Visa Becomes Phish Bait
Criminals are now sending e-mails telling readers that their credit card has been automatically enrolled in the Verified by Visa program. The current spoof asks you to go to a Web site to activate Verified by Visa and establish a password. Once at the site, you are prompted to enter your credit card information. You may be told that your card will be temporarily disabled if you fail to act.
Neither Visa nor Bay Cities will ever request credit card data in this fashion. Remember: Never respond to an e-mail that directs you to a site asking for a credit card number, no matter how legitimate it may look on the surface. Always call Bay Cities first if you are tempted to respond.
Beware if Surveys
New scams offer money for completing a survey that asks for your financial information, or asks you to call a fake 800 number. Always treat unsolicited emails dubiously regardless of the method -- Phishers and scammers are always thinking of new ways to get your information.
Don't Be Spoofed by Fake Caller IDs
Spoofed caller ID is a new twist on phishing. Instead of using e-mail messages to trick consumers into clicking on bogus websites, spoofed caller ID involves bogus phone numbers and identification to trick consumers into thinking the caller is the real deal. Identity thieves have figured out a way to manipulate the caller ID technology to masquerade as officials of churches, courthouses, and financial institutions, solely for the purpose of getting you to hand over your Social Security number or other sensitive information. When in doubt, hang up and call back using a number you know is legitimate, such as 510-690-6100 for Bay Cities, or the number on the back of your credit card. You might spend a few minutes on hold, but just think of all the time and money you'll be saving by protecting yourself from identity theft.
Don't Give Out Financial Information Over Email
Neither Bay Cities or other financial institutions will ever ask you for your sensitive financial information in this manner. The following are ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
- Do not reply to or click on a link in an email stating your account will be shut down or access to the site will terminate unless you confirm your billing information. Instead, contact the company directly.
- Before submitting financial information through a website, make sure it is a secured site. A secured site will have a "locked padlock" on the browser's status bar. In addition, look for "https://" at the beginning of the web address in your browser's address window. Although the presence of these items do not guarantee the website is legitimate or secure, the absence of these items indicate the website is not secured.
- If you are asked in an email to call a number, verify that the number belongs to your bank, or call your bank's main number and ask to be transferred. Never give out account information until you are sure you're talking to your financial institution.
- Never give your account information for a survey or other online form unless you're absolutely sure it's secure and official. Call your financial institution if you suspect fraudulent use of their name or yours.
Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Accounts
- Make sure you install the latest security patch for your web browser.
- Review your credit union, bank account and credit card statements regularly to ensure all transactions are legitimate.
Helpful Resources
- If you suspect your personal information has been stolen and you are a primary member of Bay Cities Credit Union, contact our Member Service Department at 510-690-6100. Also, report it to all three major credit reporting agencies. Ask them to place a fraud alert and a victim's statement in your file. Below are the phone numbers to the credit reporting agencies:
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- Equifax: 800-525-6285
- TransUnion: 800-680-7289
- Report any suspicious activity to www.consumer.gov/idtheft
1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) and www.antiphishing.com.
|
