Phishing Scams

Impersonators are looking to steal your identity.

Know how to identify the threats.

Phishing occurs when someone impersonates your financial institution, Internet service provider, credit card company or some other entity and requests personal financial information (e.g., account number, credit card number, Social Security number, passwords, etc.) via email. The email will probably warn you of a serious problem that requires your immediate attention.

These emails appear official and often contain graphics and logos copied from a legitimate company's website. The email may include a link to a website that appears legitimate but is actually a fake site. You're asked to provide personal information, which is then used by the thieves to gain access to your existing accounts and credit cards. In the worst case, you could find yourself a victim of identity theft.

Avoid falling victim to new phishing scams

Phishing emails offer a reward (usually money) if you complete a short survey about the company. The email promises you won't have to provide any sensitive information when you complete the survey, which will most likely contain the name and logo of the company and may look legitimate. You will be asked some simple, impersonal questions.

However, later in the survey you are asked to provide personal information so that the reward can be deposited into your account. This personal information can then be used to open accounts in your name and perpetrate other types of fraud, including identity theft.

No legitimate business will ever ask for this kind of information in an email. If you believe the email (or phone call) may be legitimate, contact the business yourself. Do not respond to any email that asks for your personal information, and do not click any link in a suspicious email. Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Four actions to take if you are a victim of phishing

1. Contact us immediately.
2. Review all credit card and other account statements for unauthorized transactions immediately upon receipt. And make sure you access your accounts through online banking for real-time updates. 
3. If you've disclosed personally identifying information, contact the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They will help you determine if a fraud alert should be placed on your file, which will help prevent thieves from opening accounts in your name.
4. If you respond to a phishing email and become a victim of identity theft, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Click the "File a Complaint" link on the screen.