Tips and Trends
Protect Against Phishing, Vishing and Smishing Scams
Did you ever receive an email that appeared to be from your credit union?
Have you ever received a voice mail or an automated message asking you to press '1' or call back and verify your account information to reactivate your account?
Did you ever receive a text message from a '5000" number instead of displaying an actual phone number?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you have been 'phished, vished or smished'.
Millions of consumers, fall victim to 'social engineering' scams that attempt to obtain your sensitive information.
Simply put, the perpetrators of these scams intend on selling your information or using it in some manner for personal gain. However, there are ways to stop them before they get you.
To avoid phishing, vishing and smishing attacks, consumers are advised to do the following best practices:
- Do not click on suspicious links in an email.
- Do not respond to text messages from '5000' numbers or a text containing an URL or unknown phone number.
- Do not provide any personal information when answering emails, over the phone or in a text message.
- Do not press '1' if asked by an automated voice message.
- Verify a number left in a voice mail or text message before calling back.
- Understand how your credit union would ask for sensitive information.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to your credit union.
Fraud Tips provided by Covera Solutions - 1st Quarter 2014