Protect Yourself Against Phishing
The good news: The number of US adult victims of identity fraud decreased from 9.3 million in 2005, to 8.4 million in Total one year fraud amount decreased from $55.7 billion in 2006 to $49.3 billion in 2007
The bad news: Even though the number of victims and dollar amounts are down, it’s still a significant problem. The crooks committing the crimes are becoming smarter making it more difficult to isolate attempts at identity theft.
What is identity theft? Someone uses your personal identifying information to commit fraud or theft.
How can someone steal my identity? Dumpster diving Shoulder surfing Pretext calling Mail theft Workplace Skimming Theft Change of address Phishing
What is phishing? Phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
What is phishing?
How to identify a phishing Typically use a generic greeting Frequently the messages will refer to an urgent problem May ask for personal account information such as: – Account numbers – Date of birth – Internet passwords and user names
How to identify a phishing (cont): Provide links that include a legitimate company’s name or web address, but the legitimate company has been spoofed. Fraudulent s will disguise or forge the sender’s address so they look legitimate. s & pop-up websites may include incorrect grammar.
SCU examples: The following slides are actual examples of phishing s members and non- members have received.
What steps should you take? Call or visit your local SCU branch office Call us at
Remember... Service Credit Union will NEVER ask for your account information, PIN, password, or other personal information in an unsolicited request via .
If you’ve received a phishing If you’ve opened the , don’t follow the link. Don’t reply to the . Don’t personal or financial information.
If you’ve received a phishing (cont.): Forward the to Forward any SCU s to Report the incident to the Internet Crime complaint Center at File a complaint at or call toll free – , –TTY:
Protect yourself! Install and update current virus software Install firewall software to partially guard against spyware Use a secure browser
More information? For more information on how to protect yourself and additional links to sites dedicated to protecting yourself against phishing, visit: servicecu.org scambusters.org antiphishing.org
Questions?