FRB Federal Credit Union Security Brief

Phishing

The FRB Federal Credit Union never sends e-mails requesting members to verify account or other personal information.

Phishing (fish´ing) (n.) The act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established, legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.

These types of e-mails direct users to visit a web site where they are asked to update personal information--such as passwords and credit card, Social Security, and bank account numbers--that the legitimate organization already has on file.

The web site is bogus and is set up to steal the user’s information. The e-mail might include a statement such as: "Your account will expire if you don't log in and update your profile."

How can you protect yourself?

The best way to protect yourself against phishing is by becoming knowledgeable about these scams. Phishing only works when people are willing to enter personal information on the bogus site. If you receive an e-mail asking you to enter your password or credit card information, chances are it's an illegal attempt to obtain your personal information.

Legitimate web sites will never send you an e-mail asking you to log in to "update a profile" or provide personal information via e-mail.

A new layer of protection: NetTeller security update

The FRB Credit Union's new "security keys" can help protect you. Each time you log in you will see your special security key on your personal home page in NetTeller, assuring you that you’re in the right spot. If you have not already set your security keys in NetTeller, the system will guide you through the process the next time you log in.

Internet Pirates Are Trying to Steal Your Personal Financial Information
Information from the Federal Reserve and the other financial regulatory agencies