For members who "surf the net," have e-mail accounts or visit secny.org, we would like you to be aware of a recent security scam. Phishing is a type of fraud using e-mail that appears to be from legitimate companies in an attempt to obtain your personal information.
In recent weeks, we have seen a big increase in phishing attempts on other institutions. This is due to increased security measures being used at financial institutions. Many financial institutions have reported that their customers are now receiving phishing e-mails claiming to be their bank or credit union. The e-mail states that their account has been disabled due to security reasons or other problems and asks that they provide personal information to keep their credit card, debit card or online banking account active. These e-mails contain a link to a fraudulent Web site that appears to be exactly like their financial institution's legitimate web site. When the recipient clicks on the link in the e-mail, he or she is redirected to a fraudulent web site asking him or her to enter sensitive account information such as a name, account number, credit or debit card numbers and other personal information to keep his or her account active.
Fake Cashiers checks from purchases and sales of items over the internet. If the purchasing party sends you too much money in a form of a check and ask you to send them back the difference... it's a scam. The check bounces and you are out the money you sent. Foreign lotteries stating you have won, just send them the taxes... it's a scam. Someone needs help handling money between countries and will pay you an amount from the proceeds... it's a scam.
To further protect member accounts, SECNY FCU anticipates deploying an enhanced multi-layer authentication method for our members by year-end 2006. When this is done, we will send you detailed information about our solution. We are dedicated to providing a safe and reliable means for you to conduct your online banking business.
If you receive any e-mail message asking for your account information, DON'T DO IT!
As a reminder, SECNY Federal Credit Union will never send you an e-mail or call you requesting personal or confidential information. If you receive an e-mail requesting this information, please notify the credit union immediately by calling our Main office at (315) 469-5599.
While there are other variations of this scam, you can take an active role in keeping your confidential information safe by following these steps:
Step 1: We strongly recommend that you download Microsoft's latest "Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer" by visiting: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/downloads/critical/default.mspx
Step 2: Review the following tips on how to protect your personal information:
- Be suspicious of any e-mail asking for personal information or containing a link to a Web site requesting that you enter your personal information such as your name, account number, password, PIN or Social Security Number. Most legitimate companies will not ask you for this information via an e-mail. SECNY FCU will never send you an e-mail containing a link to a Web page where you are required to "Sign On" to SECNY online.
- Never reply to a suspicious or unexpected e-mail informing you that your account will be closed, shut down or made inaccessible unless you confirm your account information. Do not click on any links in the e-mail.
- If you are uncertain about the request, contact the company that sent the e-mail through an address or telephone number you know to be genuine.
- Never provide financial information to anyone via e-mail, as it is not secure.
- Forward suspicious e-mails to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov, and file phishing complaints with the State Attorney General's office or through the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
Step 3: If you suspect that you unknowingly supplied personal or financial information on your account(s) by responding to an e-mail or on a fraudulent Web site, contact Member Services at (315) 469-5599 immediately!
SECNY FCU is working diligently to keep your account and your personal information safe.
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