Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing

• In emails, a generic greeting is used, such as "Dear Sir or Madam", or "Dear Valued Customer"
• They use phrases like "urgent problem" or some similar phrase, or threaten that your account has been frozen, so you will act quickly and provide personal information without taking a moment to think.
• Common information requested: account numbers, credit and debit/check card numbers, social security numbers, internet banking usernames and passwords, mother's maiden name, date of birth, etc. Remember, BCCU never asks for this type of information over the phone or in an email.
• Also, in emails or fraudulent pop-up sites watch for typos, misspelled words or incorrect grammar. These are also signs that the request is coming from a fraudulent site or individual.
  
  Fraudulent emails or texts may use disguised email addresses so they appear to be from a legitimate company. Fraudulent phone calls can use caller ID names that also appear to be from a legitimate company. If you are suspicious, follow the steps below:

• Do not open the email or text -- delete it. If it's a call, hang up on the caller.
• If you have opened the email or text, do not follow the link or reply to the email or text. You can forward it to the government's own fraud site, spam@uce.gov or if it appears to come from Bellwether, forward it to us at spam@bccu.org or call us toll-free at 1-866-996-9828. Do not use the email address or phone number included in the suspicious communication.
• Don't ever give out personal or financial information. 
• Review credit card and account statements as soon as you receive them for any unauthorized charges. If you find any, report them to the related financial institution immediately. 
• If your credit card or account statement is late by more than a few days, call your financial institution to confirm your address and account balances. 
• Use anti-virus software and keep it up to date.
  

• Reconcile account statements promptly and report discrepancies or questionable transactions immediately. Store old statements in a secure place, sign up for eStatements and make sure to shred all personal information and account information before disposing of.
• Report stolen or lost checks, debit/check cards and credit cards immediately. Store unused or canceled checks in a secure place.
• Check your mail daily, and if you haven't received mail for a few days, you may be the victim of mail diversion fraud (when someone has changed your mailing address on accounts without your permission). Contact the post office and/or your credit card companies to confirm your address and to find out why you haven't received mail.
• Don't keep personal information with you in your wallet unless absolutely necessary. Lists of credit card numbers, social security numbers, usernames, passwords, PINs, etc. should not be kept on your person. Instead, if you cannot memorize them, make certain they are kept in a secure place at home or in a safety deposit box. 
• Destroy any pre-approved offers you receive in the mail that you do not want to take advantage of.
• Review your credit report at least once a year. See our Resource link on how to do this by clicking here.
• When you receive a new Debit or Credit card, sign it and activate it immediately. If you do not want it, destroy it immediately by cutting it up or shredding it.
• Do not write your PIN(Personal Identification Number) A secret number that gives you access to your accounts. on the related card or on any item you keep in the same place.
• Keep any duplicate cards you may have in a secure place.
• Report stolen or lost cards immediately. Keep a list of card numbers and phone numbers to report theft in a safe place other than your wallet.
• Keep your credit card and ATM receipts in a safe place other than your wallet.
• Do not let anyone use your credit or debit cards.
• Be cautious and confirm who you are speaking to when giving your card numbers over the phone.