Scam Alert: Target='National Credit Union Administration' (NCUA)

[RedBaird]

I received this email today:

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Keep Your ID and Accounts Safe March 2015 

 

  

Dear Bone-Head,  

 

In the last several years, scammers have increased their "phishing" attempts (e-mails asking individuals to divulge sensitive information). Financial Center has learned about a new phishing scam that is currently circulating the Web, and wanted to pass the information along to you so you and your family can stay safe.

 

The Scam

 

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has issued a warning to consumers about a website with a logo and design that is similar to the NCUA's site. Under the name of 'National Credit Union', phishers are attempting to convince consumers to provide personal information or send money to the fake organization. Some consumers have also received emails from the imposter website. The site originates in Australia and claims to offer services in the US, Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Please know this website is not affiliated with the NCUA and the emails are not from the NCUA.

 

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

 

Here are some preventive actions you can take to help safeguard you and your family from falling victim to these types of scams:

1. Use caution with e-mails containing links and attachments.

2. Never send sensitive information through e-mail; especially in response to an unsolicited e-mail.

3. Do not follow Web links in unsolicited e-mails from apparent federal banking agencies; instead, bookmark or type the agency's Web address in your preferred Web browser.

4. Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and running.

5. Keep your operating system and applications up-to-date with the latest patches directly from the manufacturer

 

If You Think You are a Victim of the NCUA Phishing Scam

 

If you receive an email claiming to be the NCUA, the federal agency has asked consumers to call the NCUA's Fraud Hotline toll-free at 800-827-9650. You can also contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. 

Identity theft victims are also encouraged to alert their financial institutions, as well as place a fraud alert on their credit reports. You can place a fraud alert by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus; they are reachable at: Equifax 800-525-6285, Experian 888-397-3742 and TransUnion 800-680-7289.

 

Sincerely, 

BURT

Financial Center Credit Union

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"Bone-Head" is my edit