Protecting Yourself Against E-Mail Fraud
Internet "phishing" scams are one of the fastest-growing frauds
today. Phishing typically involves a bogus e-mail message that
uses legitimate materials, such as Credit Union or other organizations'
web site graphics and logos- the "look and feel"- in an attempt
to entice e-mail recipients to provide personal financial details,
such as account information, credit card, and Social Security numbers.
Financial institutions, government agencies, retailers, credit
card companies, and many other organizations have seen their web
site graphics, including corporate logos and other materials "stolen"
by fraudsters intent on tricking individuals into divulging personal
financial information by responding to an offical-looking, but
entirely bogus e-mail.
Like many cons and scams, phishing preys on the unwary. Here's
how credit union members can fight back against this fraud.
Take Some Simple Precautions
- Never respond to an unsolicited e-mail that
asks for personal financial information.
- Report anything suspicious to the proper authorities. Alert
the credit union or government agency identified in the suspect
e-mail through a web address or telephone number that you know
is legitimate.
- Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ifccfvi.gov -
a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime
Center- if you think you have received a phishing e-mail or have
been directed to a phishy-looking web site.
Stop, Look, and Call
The Department of Justice advises e-mail users to "stop, look,
and call" if they receive a suspicious e-mail.
- Stop. Resist the urge to immediately respond
to a suspicious e-mail- and to provide the information requested-
despite urgent or exaggerated claims.
- Look. Read the text of the e-mail several
times and ask yourself why the information requested would really
be needed.
- Call. Telephone the organization identified,
using a number that you know to be legitimate.
If You've been "Phished..."
If you believe that you have provided sensitive financial information
about yourself through a phishing scam, you should:
- Immediately contact those organizations for which you provided
the information.
- Contact the three major credit bureaus and request that a fraud
alert be placed on your credit report. The credit bureaus and
phone number are:
- Equifax, 1-800-525-6285
- Experian, 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion, 1-800-680-7289
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357.
Credit Union members should never provide their personal information
in response to an unsolicited telephone call, fax, letter, email
or Internet advertisement.
The bottom line: Don't get hooked by fraudulent phishing
attempts.
Presented by the National Association of Federal Credit
Unions, an independent trade association representing federally
chartered credit unions nationwide.
© 2004 FINANCIAL EDUCATION CORPORATION |
