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Wakota FCU's policy
is to send all official notices via regular mail and to also post
announcements on our website.
If you receive correspondence from us in any other format, be
suspicious. If you're
unsure, call us directly or check our website.
Get It In Writing
Email and phone scams abound these days because there's virtually no cost to send out
thousands of emails or automated phone calls.
Mailing letters is expensive
and requires knowledge of your name and address -- things most
scammers don't have. So if you're unsure about a message, ask to
"get it in writing."
A Clear Head Is Your Best Defense
Most scammers play on your emotions with a urgent tone in their message.
You wouldn't normally release private financial data to a stranger,
but when your account access is threatened or easy money is
promised, people frequently fall prey and react before they think.
Don't be a victim; keep your cool!
- Never give private financial information out over the phone
unless YOU initiate the phone call.
- NEVER give out your PIN number for any reason; hang up
immediately if asked for this information.
- If you believe you have been a victim of a scam,
immediately contact your credit union. |
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What is Phishing?
According to the FTC, phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters
send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial
information from unsuspecting victims.
To look more authentic, these emails contain website links or phone
numbers that lead back to the phishers. If you receive a suspicious
email, do not click on any links in the message. Instead,
call your credit union directly with questions.
Along a similar line, do not use any phone numbers included in
suspicious messages. Look up the phone number from your personal
records instead.
Visit
OnGuardOnline.gov for more tips
from the federal government to help you guard against Internet fraud
and protect your personal information.
[external
link disclosure]
Vishing and SMiShing
Vishing is an old telephone scam run via a new technology called
Voice over Internet protocols (VoIP).
Fraudsters use their computer to call multiple numbers using an
autodialer program. They'll leave an urgent or official-sounding
message to convey the need for you to "confirm" your personal or
account information.
If you return the call and tell them your private data, they'll use
it to gain access to your financial accounts.
In a similar scam, SMiShing uses cell phone text messages to deliver
a similar bait message. The name is derived from "SMs phISHING".
SMS (Short Message Service) is the technology used for text messages
on cell phones. An example of a SMiShing message:
Notice — the automated message from (Wakota FCU), your
card has been suspended. To reactivate call urgent at 866-###-####.
Do not provide these callers with any information. Although
Wakota Federal Credit Union may ask for personal information to
confirm identification, we will NEVER ask for your 3-digit ID or
PIN. If you have any doubt as to the validity of a phone call, call
us directly to ask about the status of your card.
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