Member Education & Consumer Tips

Scams User Phones Instead of Fake Website

In a new twist, identity thieves are sending spam that warns victims that their credit union/bank account or PayPal accounts were supposedly compromised. However, unlike typical phishing emails, there is no web site address in these phishing messages. Instead, the victim is urged to call a phone number to verify account details.

The automated voice message says: "Welcome to account verification. Please type your 16-digit card number." The goal is to get the victim to enter their credit card number. In these reported scams, no mention of the credit union, bank or PayPal is made.

Remember:

• Never call a number you receive from a spam email, and certainly don't enter in any private information if you make a mistake and do call. If you want to call your bank, use the normal phone number you regularly use, not the phone number you get in an email.
• Never click on the link provided in an email you believe is fraudulent.
• Do not open an attachment to an unsolicited email unless you have verified the source
• Do not be intimidated by an email or caller who suggest dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify information.
• If you believe the contact is legitimate, go to the company's web site by typing in the site address directly or using a page you have previously book marked, instead of a link provided in the email.
• Use the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) web site, www.onguardonline.gov. Consumers can take interactive quizzes designed to enlighten them about identity theft, phishing, spam and online-shopping scams. Elsewhere on the site, consumers can find detailed guidance on how to monitor their credit histories, use effective passwords and recover from identity theft.

Should you have additional questions, please contact our Member Service Center at (800) 479-7928.