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“Smishing” Scams
Consumers everywhere are reporting on scams involving unsolicited text messages. It’s an attempt at “smishing,” the lates form of phishing. In Smishing, an e-mail tries to lure the recipient into giving personal information via SMS, the communications protocol used to send text messages to a wireless device.
The members receive a text message via cell phone warning them that their credit union or bank account has been closed or compromised due to suspicious activity. It then tells them they need to call a certain phone number to reactivate the account. The unsuspecting caller who dial the number provided in the text message will be taken to an automated voice mail box that prompts them to key in theire credit card or debit card number, expiration date and PIN to verify their information.
“Phishing” Scams
Be aware of a type of internet piracy called “phishing,” thieves are “fishing” to get your personal financial information. They want your account numbers, passwords, and other confidential information to obtain your identity, your reputation, your money! Remember, we will never initiate a phone call or email asking you any of these questions.
Some scams involve fake websites and emails that look official, some even have a logo that seems legitimate, beware! Recently there have been some “phishing” scams that look like they are from NCUA (National Credit Union Association), including a fake web site, that looks very similar to their site. Remember, FOPCU and NCUA do not ask credit union members for such personal information in an unsolicited email. Anyone receiving an email that purports to be from FOPCU or NCUA and asks for account information should consider it to be a fraudulent attempt to obtain their personal account for illegal purposes. If you respond or provide them with information you may find yourself the victim of identity theft.
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Notice “Vishing” Attacks are also on the Rise
“Vishing attacks are scams that use telephone systems to obtain or “net” confidential identification information. The vishing crooks claim to be with legitimate financial institutions or other entities. They then ask consumers to “verify” or “re-submit” personal information, such as account and credit card numbers, Social Security Numbers, passwords, and personal identification numbers.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology allows for caller ID spoofing and the service is fairly inexpensive, especially for long distance, making it cheap for the criminal to make fake calls. Consumers should be “highly suspicious” when receiving messages – via telephone, email or otherwise – directing them to call and provide personal, confidential, and/or account related information. |
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1. Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited request.
2. Do not open unsolicited e-mails or text messages.
3. Do not click on any links provided in unsolicited e-mails.
4. If you believe the contact may be legitimate, contact the Credit Union yourself. We will never initiate a phone call or email asking you any personal financial information.
5. Never provide your password over the phone or email to an unsolicited request.
6. Review your account statements regularly to ensure all charges are correct.
7. If you believe you have been a victim of this kind of personal identification theft please contact a FOPCU representative by phone @ 1-918-836-9922.
8. Report suspicious emails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission through the internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.
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