Cell Phones not Immune to Fraud!

New Scam called "smishing" uses text messages!

Fraudsters are now sending text messages to Credit Union and other financial institution members' wireless devices to lure them into giving personal information. In "smishing", the members receive a text message via cell phone warning that their credit union account has been closed due to suspicious activity. It then tells them they need to call a certain phone number to reactivate the account.

Unsuspecting callers who dial the number provided in the text message will be taken to an automated voice mail box that prompts them to key in their credit or debit card number, expiration date and PIN to verify their information.

If you have questions concerning your account or credit/debit card, contact your financial institution directly using their local phone number or the credit/debit card company using the telephone number on the back of your card.

Be suspicious of any e-mail, text message or phone call with urgent requests for personal financial information.

Do not open unsolicited e-mails of text messages. Any e-mail or text message asking the cardholder to call a toll-free number to verify account information should be deleted. Don't use the links in an e-mail you receive. Never provide personal information or account information based on an e-mail or text request.

When receiving a phone call from someone asking for credit/debit card or personal information, simply hang up and report the incident by contaction the financial institution that issued the card by using the phone number on the back of the card or on a recent statement.

Calls from someone who claims to be from a financial institution and knows your credit/debit card account number - but who wants the three-digit code on the back of the card for whatever reason - should be treated the same way. Hang up and call the card issuer as soon as possible.

Always be suspicious of any phone or e-mail contact that doesn't use your first name or surname.

Be wary of any text message received from an unknown sender.

Don't display your wireless number or e-mail address in public. This includes newsgroups, chat rooms, web sites or membership directories.

If you open an unwanted message, send a stop or opt out message in response.

Check the privacy policy when submitting your wireless phone number or e-mail address to any web site. Find out if the policy allows the company to sell your information.

Contact your wireless or internet service provider about unwanted messages.

Essentially, never dial a call return number - or reply to an e-mail - regarding any financial matters.