National Credit Union Association (NCUA) Internet/Email Scam

Recently, there have been multiple e-mail fraud attempts, known as "Phishing”, that were initiated via e-mail sent to both the general public and to some credit union members that appeared to be from NCUA. This false e-mail asked for the recipient to click on a link to verify their credit union account registration. If the recipient proceeded to do so, the link directed them to a false website and asked for their credit union account number and PIN, along with other personal information.

NCUA does not ask credit unions members for such personal information. Anyone who receives an e-mail that purports to be from NCUA and asks for account information should consider it to be a fraudulent attempt to obtain their personal account data for an illegal purpose and should not follow the instructions in the e-mail.

If you responded to such an e-mail and provided any confidential account information, please notify your credit union immediately of the scheme. You should also change your account’s PIN, and take any additional action recommended by your credit union to protect your account.

If you feel that you have received a fraudulent phishing e-mail purportedly from NCUA please forward the entire e-mail message to Phishing@ncua.gov.

Additionally, you can file formal complaints concerning any suspected fraudulent e-mail with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) at www.ic3.gov. The IFCC is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National White Collar Crime Center. 

Deter - Detect - Defend

Identity theft is a serious crime and thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information.

The Federal Trade Commission has published a new brochure, Deter - Detect - Defend, designed to provide consumers with helpful hints on avoiding identity theft and what steps to take to take if you suspect you have become a victim of identity theft. Below are excerpts from the brochure which may be downloaded in it's entirety, free of charge at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt01.pdf.

• Shred any documents with your name of other personal information.
• Do not carry your Social Security Card with you or write the number on checks.
• Never click on links in unsolicited emails. Use firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect your computer.
• Don't use obvious passwords like your birth date, mother's maiden name or the last 4 digits of your SOcial Security Number.
• Be alert to signs that require immediate attention such as bills that do not arrive as expected, denials of credit for no reason, unexpected credit card or account statements that are not yours.

Common way Identity Theft Happens:

• Thieves rummage through trash looking for documents containing personal information.
• Credit or Debit card information is "skimmed" using a special device when a transaction is processed.
• Phishing emails or po-ups pretending to be your financial institution or other company you do business with.
• Thieves will change your address with the post office to divert mail.
• Stealing your wallet, hand bag or mail, including bank statements, pre-approved credit offers, or stealing your personal information from your employer.

We encourage our members and their family members to obtain copies of their credit reports at least once a year. You have the right to a FREE copy of your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies, Experian, Trans Union and Equifax annually. To obtain your credit reports, visit www.annualcreditreport.com, the ONLY legitimate site to get your credit reports, be very cautious of other offers of "free" credit reports.

The Federal Trade Commission in conjunction with a group of creditors and consumer advocates has developed the Identity Theft Affidavit to make it easier for victims of Identity Theft and fraud to report the crime.

For details, instructions and to download a copy of the Identity Theft Affidavit click here.

For more information and tips on preventing identity theft, or if you believe you have been a victim of identity theft click here.