TEXT MESSAGING SCAM ALERT

Protect Yourself Against Fraud

SMISHING: Yet another type of fraud has appeared that scammers are using to steal consumers personal financial information. It is called "Smishing", a form of text-message fraud that occurs when criminals, posing as finanical institutions, attempt to trick cell phone users into revealing personal information with an 800-number.

REMEMBER

  • NEVER include personal or sensitive information in a text or e-mail message.
  • If you need to call NuMark Credit Union ALWAYS use a telephone number you obtained from a known source, such as your monthly statement or official website www.numarkcu.org. NEVER use a phone number from an an unsolicited e-mail or text message.

    • If you receive a message, you should not reply by texting, nor by responding to the phone number listed . You may contact us, and e-mail or forward any suspicious messages you receive. Click here

    Or you can call (815) 729-3211

    Tips about how phishing works:

    • Typically, an email is sent that looks like it's from a company you're familiar with -- VISA, MasterCard, Amazon, eBay, PayPal
    • The email will most likely warn you of a serious problem that requires your immediate attention
    • It will instruct you to click on a link to go to their website
    • The website you're directed to will look like "the real thing" with company logos & fonts
    • Once there, you'll be asked for your information
    • If you provide the requested info, you might find yourself the victim of identity theft

    Tips to help protect yourself:

    • Never provide personal financial information over the phone or Internet if you did not initiate the contact
    • If you get an email that warns you that an account will be shut down unless you confirm information, do not reply, do not click on the link in the email and do not use phone numbers given in the email. Contact the company cited in the email by a phone number you trust.
    • If you get a phone call asking you to verify information for any reason, hang up immediately. Your credit union will never do this, nor will any legitimate bank, credit card company or financial institution.
    • Don't be intimidated by an email or phone call who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information
    • Avoid emailing personal and financial information. Before submitting financial information through a Web site, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar. Don't use it if you don't see it.
    • Review credit card and credit union statements as soon as they arrive, to see if there are any unauthorized charges.
    • If you fall victim to an attack, act immediately -- alert your financial institution, place fraud alerts on your credit files, monitor your credit report and account statements closely
    • Report suspicious emails or phone calls to the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov or be calling 1-877-IDTHEFT

    If you believe your personal information has been compromised, you should contact the following government sites:

    Remember that NuMark Credit Union will NEVER ask you for your personal information through an email message.

    Click here for an informative brochure on how to fight identity theft