Phishing Alert
         
Protecting Yourself Against E-mail Fraud
   ▪  Internet “phishing” scams are one of the fastest growing frauds!
   ▪  Phishing typically involves a bogus e-mail message that uses
      legitimate materials, such as a credit union or other organization’s
      Web site graphics and logos (which look and feel legitimate) in an
      attempt to entice e-mail recipients to provide personal financial
      details, such as account information, credit card numbers, and
      social security numbers.
   ▪  Financial institutions, credit card companies, retailers, and many
      other businesses have seen their Web site graphics, including
      logos and other materials, “stolen” by fraudster’s intent on tricking
      individuals into divulging personal financial information by responding
      to an official-looking, but bogus e-mail.
 
How Credit Union Members Can Fight Back
   ▪  Never respond to an unsolicited e-mail that asks for personal financial
      information.
   ▪  Never give your account number, credit card number, social security
      number, or any personal account information to anyone.
   ▪  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 http://www.ic3.gov 
   ▪  Credit Unions and other financial institutions never request personal
      account information over the internet.
 
If You’ve Been “Phished”
   ▪  If you believe that you have provided sensitive financial information
      about yourself through a Phishing scam, you should take the following
      steps:
 
      1.  Immediately contact those organizations for which you provided
           the information.
      2.  Contact the three major credit bureaus and request that a fraud
           alert be placed on your credit report. the credit bureaus and
           phone numbers are:
           •  Equifax, 1-800-525-6285
           •  Experian, 1-888-397-3742
           •  Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289
      3.  File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by going to
           www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.
 
Don’t Get Hooked By Fraudulent Phishing Attempts
   ▪  Remember, Credit Union members should never provide their personal
      information in response to an unsolicited telephone call, fax, letter,
      e-mail, internet advertisement, or any other type of request.