Breaking News—Beware of fake Credit Union emails

Beware of fake Credit Union emails

Remar Sutton, DCU StreetWise Spokesperson

Phishing emails are getting more sophisticated. They are attempting to target specific groups of people such as credit union members. The emails pose as if they are from your credit union or a credit union association. Their goal is to steal your personal financial information and then your money.

Here are some examples of the false assertions these fraudulent "phishing" emails make to try to get you to read their email, then give them your personal information. They claim that:

Attempts were made to access your account from a foreign IP address. Click a link to verify your account.

Attempts were made to access your account from several different computers. Click a link to verify your account.

Credit Union recently reviewed your account and needs more information to help provide you with secure service. Until this information is collected access to sensitive account features will be limited. Click a link to complete the steps to remove limitations.

You need to reactivate your account because the Home Banking web site has been upgraded. Click on a link to reenter your account information.

You need to confirm your account information due to inactive customers, fraud and spoof reports. Click on a link to confirm your bank account records.

The service(s) listed below will be deactivated and deleted if not renewed immediately. Click to renew now your eBranch and Bill Pay services.

Unusual activity was identified in your account so access to your account was limited. Click the link to view and perform the verification process.

As you can see, all want you to provide account information in some way. All also sound plausible-that's how they hook you. But they are fake.

Don't bite on these scams. Your credit union and bank NEVER, EVER send emails asking for personal and account information they already have on file. Always be suspicious of any request for information that comes from an unsolicited email. Contact your credit union using the phone number or address provided on your statement or the phone book not in an email. Never click on a link provided in such an email or call a phone number provided in the email.

Bottom line: Delete any unsolicited email asking for personal or account information.

Breaking news analysis prepared for DCU by Remar Sutton & Associates, November 2005.