“Phishing”
With “phishing” (pronounced fishing), online scammers pose as legitimate companies to dupe consumers into sharing confidential financial information such as credit union account numbers, credit card numbers, billing/routing numbers and Social Security numbers.
The “hook”
Here is how the scam works: The phishing e-mail informs recipients that their bank/credit union accounts are at risk unless they provide updated personal information. The fraudulent message then directs recipients to click on a link embedded in the e-mail. When victims connect to the linked site – which looks legitimate – they transmit sensitive information without the knowledge that they are connected to a phony site set up to steal their identities.
How to avoid being “phished”
With identity theft on the rise and identity thieves becoming increasingly devious at tricking consumers out of their sensitive financial information, there are still ways to avoid being hooked. Do not click on links within e-mails and do not reply to messages requiring you to share personal information. Instead, open a new browser window and type in a Web address you know to be genuine to reach the company. Better yet, take the time to research the phone number and call the company directly to let them know about the scam. Keep in mind that many Web browsers will display a closed padlock symbol at the bottom to verify that you are using a secured site. You can always rest assured that Clearview Federal Credit Union will not initiate a request via e-mail for sensitive information, including your Social Security number, your security ID, your password, PIN or account number. When you are using any of the Credit Union’s online products, you are protected by state-of-the-art encryption technology that keeps your account transactions safe.
If you’re a victim
If you have replied to any “phishing” e-mail, it is important to report it right away. Call Clearview FCU at 1-800-926-0003 long distance or (412) 269-3011 in Pittsburgh so the appropriate action can be taken. If you have received these types of e-mails but have not yet responded, report them to your Internet service provider or forward the actual message to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov.
SMiShing
Similar to Phishing, SMiShing is a practice where identity thieves attempt to obtain sensitive information. The name comes from the Short Message Service (SMS) technology used for text messaging on cellular phones. SMiShing involves soliciting this information via text-message. You may receive a text message stating that information is needed to verify your account, or that your account is blocked, and information is required to unblock it. Many of these messages specifically mention credit, debit and ATM cards. These text messages include either a phone number to call or a Web site to visit to provide sensitive information.
Clearview does not send its members text messages requesting sensitive financial information. If you receive a text message that requests sensitive financial information, it is most likely a SMiShing attempt. Do not reply to the text message, call any phone number within the message or visit any Web site displayed in the message. Instead, please call Clearview at 1-800-926-0003 immediately.
“Vishing”
You should be aware of an identity theft scam called "Vishing." This form of identity theft is being used by criminals through the use of a telephone.
Vishing mimics phishing by trying to trap you into divulging your account numbers. But instead of being phished in an e-mail message, you may receive a telephone call from an automated random dialer, and the voice on the other end of the line may tell you your credit card has been used illegally. You're then asked to dial a fake 1-800 number with another voice that asks you to confirm your account details and credit card number. If you give the information, you face the risk of your accounts being drained.
All this is possible because of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), the technology that makes possible inexpensive and anonymous Internet calling. And industry analysts are concerned that it's becoming more difficult to tell phish and vish from actual attempts to contact customers.
Take Steps to avoid being vished:
- If you get a phone call and someone asks you to give or confirm credit card or personal information, hang up. Then call your credit union or the financial institution that issued the card by using the phone number on the back of the card or on your statement and report the attempt. If the call was legitimate, the provider will know it.
- If you get a call from someone who claims to be from a financial institution you do business with, and who knows your credit card account number but wants the three-digit code on the back of the card, immediately hang up.
- If you get an e-mail message asking you to call a toll-free number to verify account information, delete the e-mail. Never provide personal information or account information based on an e-mail request.
- Don't be fooled by the fact that the caller's phone number appears to be a regional telephone number--it could have been spoofed, which is easy to do using VoIP.
- Be suspicious of any phone or e-mail contact that doesn't use your first name or surname.
- Never dial a call return number--or reply to an e-mail--regarding any financial matter.
If you’re a victim
If you have replied to any "vishing" phone calls, it is important to report it right away. Call Clearview at 1-800-926-0003 long distance or (412) 269-3011 in Pittsburgh so the appropriate action can be taken.
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