Phishing attacks and scam emails
There has been a significant increase in the number of phishing attacks directed at customers of financial institutions lately, including members of credit unions.
Importantly, these attacks are taking on new forms and constantly increasing in sophistication, and we strongly advise you to read the following text so that you can help to protect your accounts and personal information.
You should always be wary of any unusual or suspicious financial communications you receive via electronic means and report them to us immediately. If, following your discussion with us, it is determined that the item may be a phishing attack - we advise you to immediately delete it from your computer.
What is a phishing attack?
It is usually a fake e-mail that deceives customers into giving away their personal information.
It usually comes in the form of an email, from your financial institution or another third party with whom you have a relationship. The e-mail threatens the customers that their accounts will be permanently terminated if they don't transmit the information within a limited time. Some phishing emails threaten a dire consequence if you don’t respond.
The email will advise that you need to update your personal details by clicking on a link contained in the email and following the instructions.
DO NOT click on a link in any such email !
DO NOT reply or give any personal details !
If you click on the link, a malicious program can be downloaded to your computer. This program can capture keyboard strokes or images from your screen and transmit that information to criminal organisations.
Malicious software can corrupt your computer and can be costly and difficult to remove !
You will also be directed to a fraudulent website where you will be requested to enter personal information such as your access code, card number and PIN. Many fraudulent websites are professionally created and appear almost identical to the genuine site. If you follow the instructions and provide your personal information through the fraudulent website, you will be providing your personal information directly to the criminals.
Do not provide your personal information to anyone !
In both cases, this information will be used to fraudulently access your accounts. If you provide your card and PIN details, a duplicate card can be produced and on the streets within hours of your information being stolen. Identity theft can be extremely difficult to overcome and may, in the short term, affect your credit rating and ability to satisfactorily prove your identity. It may also cause difficulties with travel documents such as passports and your ability to access funds while travelling abroad.
Always contact us if you have any doubts !
Please click on the links below to know more about "Phishing" :
How can you avoid a phishing attack?
If you want to know more about Security and Privacy, please click here.
For NEW SCAM ALERTS, please click here.
