INTERNET PHISHING

Internet “Phishing” scams are one of the fastest-growing frauds today. Phishing usually involves a phony e-mail message that uses genuine materials, such as a credit union or other organization’s Web site graphics and logos. These e-mails are used to persuade recipients to provide personal financial details, such as account information, credit card and Social Security numbers.

Like many cons and scams, phishing preys on the unsuspecting. Here’s how our members can fight back against this fraud.
Stop. Resist the urge to immediately respond to a suspicious e-mail-and to provide the information requested-despite urgent or exaggerated claims.
Look. Read the information provided in the e-mail several times and ask yourself why the information requested would really be needed.
Call. Telephone the organization identified, using a number that you know to be legitimate.

You should never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited telephone call, fax, letter, e-mail or Internet advertisement.

For more information on phishing, visit http://www.occ.treas.gov/Consumer/phishing.htm