Beware of Phishing

ID Theft   |   About Phishing   |   Fraud Alerts

What is "phishing"?
"Phishing" is a method of fraudulently acquiring personal information using e-mail and pop-up windows disguised as legitimate requests from trusted sources such as credit unions, banks and even government offices. The sender of these communications may include a company’s logo or tagline along with a message of urgency regarding a problem with an account or a need to validate personal information.

The sender uses these methods in an attempt to fraudulently acquire passwords, account numbers, credit card details and other personal information. The scam may go as far as "spoofing" or creating a false website to further gain the recipient’s trust. These scams also use automated phone calls in an attempt to gather personal information (sometimes called "vishing").

How to avoid "phishing"?
Consider these tips while conducting online activities: 

• People’s Trust Federal Credit Union does not and will never request personal financial information via e-mail or pop-up boxes. If you receive any suspicious e-mail regarding People’s Trust Federal Credit Union, please forward the e-mail in it’s entirety to info@peoplestrustfcu.org. Do not provide any information to any unknown source.
• Be suspicious of any unsolicited e-mail requesting personal financial information. These requests may ask for usernames and passwords, PINS, CVV and CV2 codes from the back of your credit and debit cards, Social Security Numbers, account numbers, etc. Never provide this information unless you are using a known secured website or calling directly over the telephone.
• Do not use the links provided in suspicious e-mails. Rather, contact the company directly using phone numbers and websites provided via official statements or other documentation.
• When conducting online transactions, always ensure you are using a secure website. Your browser’s address bar should include "https://" in front of the web address.
• Consider the use of pop-up blockers and firewalls to protect your computer from unsolicited messages and uninvited software installations.
• Ensure that your internet browser and any security software are up to date by checking with their manufacturers.

Stay Aware
Reviewing your financial institution monthly statements and credit card statements regularly will help to keep you informed of any unauthorized account activity. You should also log in to any online accounts periodically between statement cycles to correct issues as soon as possible.

Take Prompt Action
If you have been a victim of "phishing", take immediate steps to minimize the effects on your personal accounts and your identity:

• Report the theft to the three major credit reporting agencies:
  • Request that they place a fraud alert and a victim’s statement in your file.
  • Request a FREE copy of your credit report to check whether any accounts were opened without your consent. You can find information about obtaining free credit reports on the Federal Trade Commission’s website at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/freereports/index.html.
  • Request that the agencies remove inquiries and/or fraudulent accounts stemming from the theft.
• Report the activity to your credit card, debit card or ATM card issuer. Many issuers provide toll-free numbers and are available 24 hours a day.
• Report the incident to your local police department
• Close your existing deposit and checking accounts and reopen them with new account numbers.
• Obtain copies of your latest statements and carefully review them for any unauthorized activity. If you have online access to these accounts, you may be able to obtain activity not listed on your accounts.
• Update or install virus protection software on your PC and a run a full scan.
• Update or install a firewall to avoid any unwanted software installations.
• Contact the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline to report the unauthorized use of your personal identification information.
• Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your identity theft: Check to see whether any unauthorized license numbers have been issued in your name.
• Notify the passport office to be watch out for anyone ordering a passport in your name.