Internet Fraud

Online scams and viruses are constantly evolving and they threaten the security of computers worldwide. As criminals evolve their tactics, you need to keep your PC’s security software (virus detection, security patches, etc.) up-to-date. The more you know about how to protect your computer and yourself, the less likely you are to be negatively impacted.

• Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information.
• If you don’t know the sender, do not use the links in the email.
• Avoid completing forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information.
• Be sure to use a secure web site when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via the web browser.
• If you are not sure of the website’s legitimacy, or if the offer sounds too good to be true, don’t provide your personal or financial information. Verify the website by checking with a consumer information site such as the Better Business Bureau or Ripoff Report.
• Regularly check bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure all transactions are legitimate.
• Use security software (virus detection, firewalls, etc.) that update automatically.
• Keep your passwords for online activity in a secure place; do not leave them in plain sight or share them.
• Make sure your browser is up-to-date and security patches have been installed.
• If your home PC is utilized by multiple family members, consider purchasing a second PC (ex: laptop or netbook) that will only be utilized for your online banking and storing of your financial information (ex: Quicken or TurboTax). A PC utilized by multiple users presents the opportunity for malware such as Zeus, Spyeye or Bugat being unknowingly downloaded on to it.
• If you think that your PC has been compromised, stop using it immediately, disconnect the internet access and have it checked for malware. If you believe that your online banking has been compromised due to malware, notify your financial institutions immediately.

Email Phishing

Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) is a scam to steal valuable information such as credit card and Social Security numbers, user IDs, and passwords. In phishing, also known as “brand spoofing,” an official-looking email is sent to potential victims pretending to be from their ISP, credit union, bank, or retail establishment. Emails can be sent to people on selected lists or on any list, and the scammers expect some percentage of recipients will actually have an account with the real organization.

Protect Yourself

County Federal Credit Union will never send an email to verify your account information. If you receive an email claiming to be from the Credit Union that requests that you provide personal information in an unsecure email or via a link to a website, please contact the Credit Union immediately.