 |
 |
| education |
identity theft
|
Identity Theft - Telephone & Phishing Scams
Because we have your best interests in mind, Norbel would like to inform our members about a possible scam involving telephone calls or "phishing" emails you may have received.
We would like to make our members aware of a possible scam targeting credit union members in Northern Colorado. The solicitations can be warning you of an account that may be in jeopardy unless you respond to an email or phone call. In such a case, it is always best to call your local branch at a listed phone number on your statement to make sure the call is legitimate.
Norbel Credit Union will NEVER ask you for personal account information (account numbers, PIN numbers, or social security numbers) in response to an e-mail. Because of the diligence in our security efforts, appropriate actions are taken to ensure protection and safety of member information.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.
How do thieves steal an identity?
Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including:
Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
Old-Fashioned Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.
Pretexting. They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources.
Check out more about ID Theft at this valuable site www.ftc.gov/idtheft
Phishing defined:
Phishing is a type of fraud using e-mail that appears to be from a legitimate company that you recognize and do business with in an attempt to obtain your personal information. The email will probably warn you of a serious problem that requires your attention and then will guide you to click on a link to that business. The phony web site will look exactly like the real thing and will prompt you to enter in personal information such as: social security number, account number, PIN, or password.
To protect yourself:
* Be suspicious of any e-mail asking for personal information. Legitimate companies will not ask you for this information via an e-mail.
* Never reply to a suspicious or unexpected e-mail informing you that your account will be closed, shut down or made inaccessible unless you confirm your account information.
* Do not click any links in the e-mail.
* If you believe the contact to be legitimate, contact the financial institution yourself -use phone numbers printed on previous statements or type in the site address directly.
If you provide the requested information, you may find yourself the victim of identity theft.The key is that you should be the one to initiate the communication.
For additional information about identity theft, visit www.bbbonline.org or check out ID Theft/ Phishing Brochure.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Avoid phone & phishing scams, don't give out personal account info in response to a solicitation.
Interested in Financial Literacy Seminars? Give us a call at ext 8450.
You could win a $25 gift card...
Just by filling out our contact form .
Mention
"Win $25"
in the Comment section! |
|
 |
|
|
