Protect Yourself Against Phishing
- What is Phishing?
- Why it is important to protect yourself
- Tips to avoid Phishing Scams
- What to do if You Suspect You are a Victim of a Phishing Scam
- Additional Resources
What Is Phishing?
Phishing is defined as "the practice of luring Internet users to a fake website by using authentic-looking email in an attempt to steal passwords, personal information, or introduce a virus attack."
Further, it generally utilizes a website made to look similar, if not identical, to that of a legitimate financial institution or other service providers, such as a Visa credit card provider or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
There are numerous methods employed to compel an Internet user to divulge personal information. Some such techniques include but are not limited to the following:
- Avoid account closure/service interruption
- Suspicion of fraud/phishing
- Requests for charitable donations
- Get rich quick schemes
Why It Is Important To Protect Yourself
Identity Theft is the fastest growing act of fraud in the United States. With the right information an identity thief can open financial accounts and credit lines in your name. Cash can be withdrawn or checks can be written against your existing accounts. Apartments can be rented and utility services can be established.
However, phishing scams are not limited to identity theft. For example, Visa has reported a rise in fraudulent PIN-based transactions believed to be the result of online phishing scams. The cardholder responds to a phishing email and in the response the cardholder provides personal information, such as account and PIN numbers. The criminal encodes the account number and PIN on either a counterfeit card or "white plastic" - any plastic card with a magnetic stripe. These cards are then used for withdrawals at ATM's around the world. Additional information about phishing can be found at www.visa.com/phishing.
Tips To Avoid A Phishing Scam
- Be suspicious of any emails requesting personal information.
- Do not reply to suspicious emails and do not click on a link within suspicious email messages.
- Contact the business/organization that is claimed to have sent the email directly. Use a published phone number or manually type the web site address into your web browser.
- Never send personal information (e.g. credit or debit card number, Social Security number, or PIN) in response to an email request from anyone or any entity.
- Report any suspicious emails to the business/organization claimed to have sent the email.
What To Do If You Suspect You Have Been A Victim Of A Phishing Scam
- If you suspect that you may have given personal information in a phishing scam, you should assume that you have in fact done so.
- Contact the business/organization relevant to the information provided (e.g. contact the Credit Union if you provided information regarding your Credit Union Visa card).
- Take steps to closely monitor or close any account in question.
- Monitor your credit accounts for signs of Identity Theft such as fraudulent transactions or unauthorized new accounts.
The Credit Union members suspecting they are victims of a phishing scam should contact our Call Center at (310) 640-1880.
Additional Resources
