This US Government sponsored website gives specific information and guidance on identity theft, phishing, spam and online shopping scams. It also provides detailed guidance on how to monitor your credit history, use effective passwords, and recover from identity theft.

Don’t Get Hooked by Phishing

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States.  One of the sinister techniques that thieves use to steal your identity is called phishing.

Phishing is a practice that online fraudsters use to “fish” for confidential passwords and financial data from the “sea” of Internet users using email.  Phishing has two major components:

·        Spoofing occurs when thieves create a near exact replica of an existing website

·        Spamming occurs when you receive unsolicited email also known as junk email.  A typical email will tell you that you need to update your account information for a financial institution account.  The email contains a link that when “clicked” will take you to the spoofed web site where you are asked for some personal and financial information.  Once you enter in this information, the identity thief has access to it.

Phishing occurs when identity thieves use spoofing and spamming to lure you into providing personal and financial information on the Internet.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Ø      Delete unknown email messages and don’t download attachments or click on links included in the email

Ø      Don’t send personal or financial information via email

Ø      Make sure that you are on a secure, encrypted website before entering personal or financial information.  A secure site is usually designated by the URL beginning with “https” where the “s” stands for secure.  Also, look for the closed padlock at the bottom of the screen, which indicates secure.

Ø      Use anti-virus software on your PC or laptop and keep it updated

Ø      Add a firewall to your computer especially if you use broadband service

As a member of Peoples Advantage FCU, you can take advantage of the Accel program, a free financial education and counseling program.  Accel counselors are available Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (EST), Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To use this new service, simply call 1-877-33ACCEL (332-2235) or visit them on the web at www.accelservices.org

Disclaimer: Links to other websites found here are provided to assist in locating information. The mere fact that there is a link between this website and another does not constitute a product or program endorsement by Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union or any of its employees. Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union has no responsibility for content or availability of the websites found at these links, or beyond, and does not attest to the accuracy or propriety of any information located there.