Phishing Information

The Latest in Identity Theft: Smishing
Identity theft continues to evolve with the latest tactic called “Smishing.” Although the name might sound a bit silly, it’s anything but. Smishing is a scam involving SMS text messaging.

How it works: Thieves pose as financial institutions, attempt to trick mobile-phone users into sending personal information through text messages.

How to protect yourself: if you receive a message you believe is a smishing scam, DO NOT click the links or call the numbers. Immediately delete the message from your phone.

California Credit Union will NEVER email or telephone you to ask for your account information. If you suspect you have received a fraudulent email or phone call claiming to be from California Credit Union, please contact us immediately at (800) 334-8788.

Phishing Scam Alert - 5/12/08
California Credit Union has become aware of another fraudulent e-mail being circulated. The fraudulent email states the following:

Phishing Scam Alert - 5/06/08
California Credit Union has become aware of another fraudulent email being circulated to members. The fraudulent email states the following:

Subject: Security Center: Your account is suspended.
California Credit Union temporarily suspended your account.
Reason: Billing failure.
To start the unlock process click here to login at California C.U and access your User Options section. Once you have completed the update, we will send you an email notifying that your account is available again. After that you can access your account at any time.

ID Theft Alert - 4/30/08
California Credit Union has become aware of fraudulent e-mail being circulated to both members and non-members. The fraudulent e-mail falsely indicates that "your account had been suspended for a billing failure, updating the debit card information will reactivate the account” and you are asked to call a phone number that is not a CCU telephone number. Do not call this number. We are taking steps to shut down the telephone number and fraudulent e-mail.

Phishing Scam Alert - 4/15/08
California Credit Union has become aware of fraudulent email being circulated to both members and non-members. The fraudulent email falsely indicates that "your account had been suspended for a billing failure, updating the debit card information will reactivate the account."

Fraudulent email: # 1

Fraudulent email: # 2

These are fraudulent emails designed to trick people into entering their personal information. Do not respond to these or similar email!

Bank with Confidence
Members of credit unions are currently experiencing an increase in fraud schemes. Scams to get a customer's personal information can occur through many different means such as through the use of e-mails and telephone calls. One common method seen by customers is called "phishing". While phishing has typically been associated with unsolicited e-mails, there are a variety of scams that use a combination of phone messages and toll-free numbers.

It is important that you protect yourself and your financial information from criminals. For more information on personal privacy and security, visit www.ftc.gov. A few tips to help you protect your personal information from telephone or e-mail phishing scams are listed below:

Computer Security Tips:

• Protect your computer through the use of anti-virus software and firewall protection.
• When banking online, always make sure your browser address bar reads https://www.californiacu.org before you begin the log-in process.
• Never respond to an unsolicited e-mail containing links.
• Never respond to an e-mail requesting that you provide personal information to verify an account or to re-activate that account or service.
• Remember, CCU does not contact customers via e-mail requesting a customer to provide personal secure information, such as a PIN or passwords.

Telephone Security Tips:

• If you receive an e-mail requesting that you dial a certain number, do not call the number. Contact CCU immediately at (800) 334-8788.
• Do not provide your personal secure information to an unsolicited caller.
• Never respond to a phone call or voice mail service asking you to verify account information or reactivate a service.

Help Fight Identity Theft!
If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or have been the recipient of suspicious communication:

• Forward the suspicious e-mail to phishing@californiacu.org. You will receive an e-mail response from phishingresponse@californiacu.org.
• Delete the e-mail.
• To be safe, monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.

If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 334-8788.