Don't Get Phished

6/29/2006

There is a new type of Internet piracy called "phishing".  Typically, emails are sent that appear to come from reputable and trusted credit unions, banks, or government agencies.  The email could warn you of a serious problem that requires your immediate attention.  It may use phrases such as "Immediate Attention Required", or "Please contact us immediately about your account."  The email will then encourage you to click on a link to the institution's Web site.

In a phishing scam, you could be redirected to a phony Web site that may look exactly like the real thing.  Sometimes, in fact, it may be the company’s actual Web site.  In those cases, a pop-up window will quickly appear for the purpose of harvesting your financial information. 
 
In either case, you may be asked to update your account information or provide information for verification purposes: Social Security number, account number, password, or information you use to verify your identity when speaking to a real financial institution, such as your mother’s maiden name or place of birth.  By providing this information, you may find yourself a victim of Identity Theft. 

 
HEW Federal Credit Union takes member information extremely seriously.  We will never ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords, personal identification numbers or other personal information via email.  If you receive such emails, please contact us immediately.