"OnGuard" Practical tips from the Federal government

 

Report suspicious e-mails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or by calling 1-874-IDTHEFT

There's a new type of Internet piracy called "phishing."  It's pronounced "fishing" and that's exactly what thieves are doing, "fishing" for your personal financial information.  What they want are account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to clean out your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards.

In the worst case, you could find yourself a victim of identity theft.  With the sensitive information obtained from a successful phishing scam, thieves can take out loans or obtain credit cards and even driver's licenses in your name.  

They can do damage to your financial history and personal reputation that can take years to unravel.  But understanding how phising works and how to protect yourself, you can help stop this crime. 

How "Phishing" works:

You will receive an e-mail that appears to come from a reputable company that you recognize and do business with, such as your financial institution or even from a government agency. 

The e-mail will probably warn you of a serious problem that requires your immediate attention.  It may use some phrases as "Immediate attention required" or "Please contact us immediately about your account."  The e-mail will then encourage you to click on a button or link to go the the institution's Web site.

In a phishing scam, you could be redirected to a phony Web site that may look exactly like the real thing.  Sometimes, in fact, it may be the institution's actual website.  In those cases, a pop up window will quickly appear for the purpose of redirecting you using the pop-up window.

In either case, you may be asked to update your account information or to provide information for verification purposes: Social Security number, account number, password or the information you use to verify your identity when speaking to a real financial institution's representative such as date of birth.

Note: Lake State Federal Credit Union would never request this information via email or request you to enter this confidential information in this format.  If you provide the requested information, you may find yourself the victim of identity theft. 

YOU CAN FIGHT IDENTITY THEFT

Here's How:
Never provide personal information, Social Security number, account numbers or passwords over the phone or the Internet if you did not initiate the contact

Never click on the link provided in an email you believe is fraudulent.  It may contain a virus that can contaminate your computer

Do not be intimidated by an e-mail or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.

If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately to protect yourself.  Alert your financial institution, place fraud alerts on your credit files:

Equifax        800-525-6285
Experian      888-397-3742
TransUnion  800-680-7289

Report suspicious e-mails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or by calling 1-874-IDTHEFT