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Security Information
Unfortunately, fraud has become an increasingly big part of our everyday lives. It seems as soon as we learn the latest scam a new one takes its place. We at Sentry FCU are devoted to protecting our members by making them aware of the latest attacks and using technology to protect their accounts.
What are the latest fraud risks?
- Identity Theft
- Phishing
- Vishing
- Smishing
- ATM safety
What is identity theft?
The Federal Trade commission describes identity theft as someone using your personal information such as your name, social security number, birth date, credit card number or other identifying information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
According to the National Credit Union Association (NCUA), you can fight identity theft.
Here’s how:
- If you did not initiate the contact, never provide personal financial information, including your Social Security number, account numbers or passwords over the phone or the Internet.
- Never click on the link provided in an e-mail you think is fraudulent. In addition to stealing your personal information, the link 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 are unsure whether a contact is legitimate, go to the company’s website by typing in the site address or using a page you have previously bookmarked, instead of using a link provided by the e-mail.
- If you fall victim to identity theft, act immediately to protect yourself. Alert your financial institutions. Place fraud alerts on your credit files. Monitor your credit files and account statements closely.
- Report suspicious e-mails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
To learn more about keeping your money safe, visit the http://www.mymoney.gov/scams.shtml Website.
If you disclose sensitive information in an identity attack, contact one of the three major credit bureaus listed below and discuss whether to place a fraud alert on your file. A fraud alert will help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name.
Equifax
800-525-6285
P.O. Box 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374
www.equifax.com
Experian
888-397-3742
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
www.experian.com
TransUnion
800-680-7289
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
www.transunion.com
What are "phishing" scams?
Phishing scams are the use of e-mails and websites, designed to look like those of well-known legitimate businesses, financial institutions and government agencies, in order to deceive Internet users into disclosing their personal data.
The e-mails claim there is an immediate need to update your personal information, such as account numbers, passwords, and user names and/or social security numbers. Usually the emails claim there is an account problem or possible account fraud, and tell you to enter account numbers and passwords or risk the account being closed. If you receive such an e-mail, do not reply or respond by clicking on any link within the message.
You should immediately forward the message to the Federal Trade Commission at uce@ftc.gov. Sentry FCU will never ask you to disclose any confidential or financial details by e-mail.
What is vishing?
Vishing is stealing information or money from consumers using the telephone network. The term comes from combining "voice" with "phishing," which are online scams, duping people to give up personal information.
How does it work?
Typically attackers use a technique called caller ID spoofing to make it look like calls are coming from a legitimate or known phone number. It's a very similar technique to email spoofing, which makes e-mail addresses look like they are coming from a trusted source. But because people typically trust the phone service and caller ID, spoofing phone numbers can be particularly damaging.
And just like with online phishing attacks, which direct consumers to fraudulent web sites, vishing attacks usually have a recorded message that instructs users to call a toll-free number. The caller is then typically asked to input a credit card number or other personal information. In the case of the warranty scams, users are asked to buy a bogus extended warranty for their car, which can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000.
What is SMiShing?
SMiShing uses an email attempting to lure a recipient into giving personal information via SMS, the communications protocol used to send text messages to a wireless device.
How does it work?
Members receive a text message via cell phone warning that their bank account has been closed due to suspicious activity. It then tells them they need to call a certain phone number to reactivate the account.
Callers who dial the number provided in the text message will be taken to an automated voice mail that requests they enter their credit card or debit card number, expiration date, and PIN to verify their information or they are directed to a web download which could actually be a virus. Responding to a seemingly legitimate text message, wireless consumers could place themselves at great risk of having their identity or personal information stolen by crafty cyber thieves.
ATM Safety
Choosing an ATM
Tip 1: Whenever possible, use ATMs with which you are most familiar. Alternatively, choose well-lit, well-placed ATMs where you feel comfortable.
Tip 2: Scan the whole ATM area before you approach it. Avoid using the ATM altogether if there are any suspicious-looking individuals around or if it looks too isolated or unsafe.
Tip 3: Avoid opening your purse, bag or wallet while in the queue for the ATM. Have your card ready in your hand before you approach the ATM.
Tip 4: Notice if anything looks unusual or suspicious about the ATM indicating it might have been altered. If the ATM appears to have any attachments to the card slot or key pad, do not use it. Check for unusual instructions on the display screen and for suspicious blank screens. If you suspect that the ATM has been interfered with, proceed to another ATM and inform the bank.
Tip 5: Avoid ATMs which have messages or signs fixed to them indicating that the screen directions have been changed, especially if the message is posted over the card reader.
Credit Unions and other ATM owners will not place messages directing you to specific ATMs, nor would they direct you to use an ATM which has been altered.
Using an ATM
Tip 6: Be especially cautious when strangers offer to help you at an ATM, even if your card is stuck or you are experiencing difficulty with the transaction. You should not allow anyone to distract you while you are at the ATM.
Tip 7: Check that other individuals in the queue keep an acceptable distance from you. Be on the look-out for individuals who might be watching you enter your PIN.
Tip 8: Stand close to the ATM and shield the keypad with your hand when keying in your PIN (you may wish to use the knuckle of your middle finger to key in the PIN).
Tip 9: Follow the instructions on the display screen, e.g. do not key in your PIN until the ATM requests you to do so.
Tip 10: If you feel the ATM is not working normally, press the Cancel key and withdraw your card and then proceed to another ATM, reporting the matter to your financial institution.
Tip 11: Never force your card into the card slot.
Tip 12: Keep your printed transaction record so that you can compare your ATM receipts to your monthly statement.
Tip 13: If your card gets jammed, retained or lost, or if you are interfered with at an ATM, report this immediately to the bank and/or police using the help line provided or nearest phone.
Tip 14: Do not be in a hurry during the transaction, and carefully secure your card & cash in your wallet, handbag or pocket before leaving the ATM.
Managing Your ATM Use
Tip 15: Memorize your PIN (if you must write it down, do so in a disguised manner and never carry it with your card).
Tip 16: NEVER disclose your PIN to anyone, whether to family members, financial institution staff or police.
Tip 17: Do not use obvious and guessable numbers for your PIN like your date of birth.
Tip 18: Change your PIN periodically, and, if you think it may have been compromised, change it immediately.
Tip 19: Regularly check your account balance and bank statements and report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately.
Please note that you should show the same precautionary care when using your card(s) at a POS (point of sale) pinpad terminal in a retail environment or at a restaurant or when conducting transactions online, telephonically or when writing checks – speak to your financial institution about security when using these other service delivery channels.
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