Captain Safety would like to remind you that “phishing” scams still abound, and everyone needs to be aware and informed to avoid fraud:

• Phishing emails are sent out by scammers who are hoping to get you to give up some personal information: Social Security numbers, account numbers, mother’s maiden name, PINs, even your home mailing address can be used against you in a scam.
• Never give up personal information unless you can absolutely verify that you’re talking to a legitimate business with a legitimate need for the information. Usually that means YOU initiated the conversation!
• Salal CU and other financial institutions do NOT send out emails asking for personal details. Even if an email looks like it’s from us, it may not be. Always call to verify.
• Don’t click on links within emails. Go to the business website and start from there.
• Phishing can happen by phone. Again, never give out information unless YOU initiated the call or you can verify for certain with whom you are speaking.
• If you suspect you’ve been a victim of ID fraud, don’t wait. Contact your financial institution and the credit bureaus and have an alert put on your account. The Federal Trade Commission’s website www.consumer.gov/idtheft is a good place to start.

For more great information on phishing and other scams, here’s an article you may want to read from the National Consumers League’s Internet Fraud Watch.

Filed under: Captain Safety! by admin