Education » Articles » Fraud Alert July 2005

Fraud Alert: Spam and Phishing

July 8, 2005

Heightened awareness of the June 17 card number theft has paved the way for another phishing scam. Spammers, seeking to capitalize on the well publicized incident, have begun sending mass phishing emails and letters to consumers. The communication references the June fraud incident and asks readers to "confirm" personal information, presumably as a precaution. Some emails request the cardholder's PIN to validate card ownership. Most emails appear legitimate, because the spammers have copied the company's logo and used it in the email or letter.

You need to be prepared.

Protect yourself:

• Do not click links, call phone numbers, or follow any directions in an unsolicited email or letter.
• Never provide your PIN, account number or personal information in an email.
• When in doubt, contact the sender by calling their published phone number.
• Monitor your UW Credit Union credit card account online frequently and report any unauthorized transactions.

Please remember, UW Credit Union will never ask for your PIN, personal or account information in an email.

For more information, please see our Fraud Prevention Articles. If you have questions, please contact us.