Search
 

CU, Banking Agencies Warn of Criminals "Gone Phishing"

WASHINGTON - NCUA and the federal bank and thrift regulators released a brochure last week in an effort to educate consumers on what to do in the fight against Internet "phishing." "Phishing" refers to Internet thieves `fishing' for personal financial information online through a variety of methods. One common phishing...

By Staff Writer | Updated on September 14, 2004

WASHINGTON – NCUA and the federal bank and thrift regulators released a brochure last week in an effort to educate consumers on what to do in the fight against Internet “phishing.” “Phishing” refers to Internet thieves `fishing’ for personal financial information online through a variety of methods. One common phishing scam uses e-mails that appear to be authentic but are not; they often describe a situation requiring immediate attention and warn the account will be terminated if the consumer does not do as they are told in the e-mail. From this, criminals can glean a person’s account numbers or passwords. “The federal financial regulatory agencies want consumers to know that they should never respond to such requests,” a news release read. “No legitimate financial institution will ever ask its customers to verify their account information online.” The brochure also advises consumers: * Never click on the link provided in an e-mail if there is reason to believe it is fraudulent. The link may contain a virus. * Do not be intimidated by e-mails that warn of dire consequences for not following their instructions. * If there is a question about whether the e-mail is legitimate, go to the company’s site by typing in a site address that you know to be legitimate. * If you fall victim to a phishing scam, act immediately to protect yourself by alerting your financial institution, placing fraud alerts on your credit files and monitoring your account statements closely. * Report suspicious e-mails or calls to the Federal Trade Commission through the Internet at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT. The brochure is available at NCUA’s Web site (www.ncua.gov), as well as the other federal financial institution regulators’ sites.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to CUTimes.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited CUTimes.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical CUTimes.com information including comprehensive product and service provider listings via the Marketplace Directory, CU Careers, resources from industry leaders, webcasts, and breaking news, analysis and more with our informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and CU Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including Law.com and GlobeSt.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

Credit Union Times

Join Credit Union Times

Don’t miss crucial strategic and tactical information necessary to run your institution and better serve your members. Join Credit Union Times now!

  • Free unlimited access to Credit Union Times' trusted and independent team of experts for extensive industry news, conference coverage, people features, statistical analysis, and regulation and technology updates.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Credit Union Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including TreasuryandRisk.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join Credit Union Times

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.