Monday, November 29, 2010 - Phishing attacks change constantly and members need to remain vigilant, according to the Identity Theft Assistance Center.  E-mails, phone calls and text messages are all used to try to capture account numbers, PINs and other identifying information, and, as part of Protect Your Identity Week, ITAC has issued a series of reminders.

They include to be suspicious of any unsolicited e-mail or text message seeking personal information; avoid filling out forms in e-mail messages that ask for personal information; always compare the link in the e-mail to the link that you are actually directed to; log on to the company’s official website instead of clicking on a link in an e-mail; and contact the business that sent the e-mail to verify it. 

ITAC also recommends reporting phishing e-mails to the Anti-Phishing Working group at
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - We have been alerted from some members who are getting messages reporting that their University Credit Union account has fraud and to please call a 1-800 number to get more information.  When you call, an automated message system asks you to confirm information about you and your account.  THIS IS A SCAM!  DO NOT GIVE OUT INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE TO ANYONE!  University Credit Union would never ask you for this information since we already have it.  Always question why you are receiving this call/email/text message.  A little bit of caution is your best defense when it comes to fraudsters.  Even asking one or two questions will usually fluster them and cause them to hang up. 

Smishing is the latest version of Internet fraud.  Similar to Phishing, Smishes are being distributed by phone and text message.

The SMS message are similar to, "This is an automated message from Financial Institution Name. Your ATM card has been suspended. To reactivate call  1-410-910-0787.  The voice message caller ID's are coming from Florida, Ohio, Texas, and Maryland.

The voice messages are also automated suggesting that the account holder's account has been suspended and requesting the listener to press 1 for more information.  Pressing 1 transfers to a request for the account number, PIN, authorization code, etc.

The SMS message ID is coming from number 5000, not providing an actual return number.

Our Members have received emails that look like they come from University Credit Union over the past year, but really are Phishing emails, attempting to obtain and use your personal information for fraudulent purposes.

Do NOT, under any circumstances, click on or respond to these Emails!

University Credit Union would never send unsolicited Emails to ask for confidential information:

Account Numbers
Debit/Credit/ATM Numbers
Driver’s License, Florida ID, Passport Number
Social Security Number

Do NOT give this information to anyone unless you have initiated contact and know the entity you are dealing with.

EXAMPLE OF FRAUDULENT, PHISHING EMAIL:

Dear University Credit Union Valued Member,

Please note that your account is about to be suspended.
In order to remain active, please click the link below to proceed and verify your account.

https://www.ucu.madtek.com/

Regards,
University Credit Union. 

To learn more on how to avoid 'Phishing' emails. Please read this posting from the FTC on what you can do to protect yourself.
How not to get Hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam

To learn more on what to do if you think you have fallen victim to a Phish, read the attachment below.
You can fight Identity Theft

We hope that this information is helpful. Some important things to remember...

• Do Not Input your Personal Information based on an Email request, even if it contains a Visa, MasterCard, Citibank, Bank of America, American Express or University Credit Union Logo. All of these named would never send you an Email requesting this kind of information.
• Do Not give account numbers or personal ID numbers to ANYONE over the phone, unless you have initiated the call and are dealing with a legitimate business. If you are in doubt... DON’T!
• Do Contact us if you have any concerns or questions
• Do Monitor your accounts and credit reports regularly to notice any inconsistencies.
• Do Deal with legitimate, well known businesses
• Do Ask Questions, Be Aware, Be Vigilant.

Thank you for being a part of University Credit Union. We value your membership and the security of your Financial Information is always our first priority.