| Scams |
Tips |
| • Alert: Email Scam |
• 8 Tips for Using Check Cards |
| • Alert: FKFCU Phone Scam |
• Savings Bond Questions |
| • Alert: Zappos.com Data Breach |
• Helpful Information About Your Credit Report. |
| • Alert: Commercial Accounts |
• How to save money, invest it, and manage it to meet your personal goals |
| • Alert: Avoid Holiday Scams |
• 2012 Future Pay Dates |
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Alert: Email Scam
Emails are circulating advising consumers of suspect transactions on their credit or debit cards. This is a scam. Don’t open the email or click on any link(s)…If you click, you may install malicious software on your computer.
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Alert: FKFCU Phone Scam
Our Member Service Branch have had reports that some of our members are receiving calls saying they are from Fort Knox Federal Credit Union and they need to confirm the members account number to rectify a problem. The callers are trying to get member information to steal their ID.
PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS, WE WILL NOT CONTACT OUR MEMBERS BY PHONE AND ASK FOR ACCOUNT INFO.
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Alert: Zappos.com Data Breach
Online shoe and apparel retailer, Zappos.com experienced data base breach involving some 24+ million customers. Hacker(s) took names, billing, shipping and email addresses, phone numbers and partial credit card numbers of Zappos customers. Based on reports from Zappos, it appears that users' full credit card information is safe. However, customers need to be especially alert to email and telephone fishing; that is, hackers trying to get customers to divulge more information. If you receive fishing email or call, delete/hang up as appropriate.
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Alert: Commercial Accounts - Another Version of Zeus is on the Loose
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently issued an alert on a new version of the Zeus Trojan called Gameover, which is distributed via spear phishing attacks aimed at commercial accounts and ultimately lead to account takeovers. Emails purporting to be from NACHA (The Electronic Payments Association) inform the victim organizations of a failed ACH transaction. The victim’s computer is infected with the Trojan when they click on the link contained in the email.
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Alert: Avoid Holiday Scams
Some of us may be using mobile devices and computers to conduct some holiday shopping and so will the cyber scammers! Here’s some safety tips.
• Watch for mobile malware – especially deals for black Friday and cyber Monday.
• Be cautious when looking for free mobile apps - may be an attempt to steal information.
• Watch for malicious screensavers, ring tones and e-cards.
• Watch for purchase offers of fake anti-virus software – this scam may trick you into purchasing the software.
• Secure your computer – at a minimum, have anti-virus, anti-spyware and a firewall.
• Remember to turn off your computer when you’re done shopping.
• Watch for social media scams – phony Facebook and Twitter sites or other online promotions and contests.
• Beware of scammers advertising popular holiday items.
• Check out the seller of items – research before you buy.
• Don’t fall for the mystery shopping scam asking you to shop for $XX dollars (ex: $100).
• Online coupon scams may ask for your personal or financial information using email.
• Holiday phishing scams – Don’t fall for emails, text messages or phone calls asking for personal or financial information.
• Monitor credit, debit and account numbers used for your holiday shopping to help identify any unauthorized usage.
• Vacation scams – don’t post holiday pictures until you are back home.
• Lighted parking lots – survey the parking lot surroundings. Make sure you have your car keys in your hands before entering the parking lot.
• If an offer or item sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or call toll-free 1.877.ftc.help (1.877.382.4357)
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8 Tips for Using Check Cards
1- Keep receipts and note debits in checking register.
2- Check account balance frequently either online or through the bank to avoid overdraft.
3- Beware of bank overdraft policies and fees. Customers can decline the bank's "convenience" coverage for overdraft, which could cost high fees if they overdraw the accounts. Instead, sign up for overdraft protection that is covered by a savings account.
4- Most check cards now have "zero liability" protection that exceeds what the federal law call for, so security is a lesser issue. Still, consumers should check with their banks to see how debit transactions are processed. Only those going through the Discover, MasterCard, or Visa networks may be covered by zero liability.
5- PIN transactions are more secure than signature transactions, although most don't qualify for reward points.
6- If consumers pay off their credit card balances each month, they're better off using a credit card with rewards for purchases than a debit card or check card.
7- Find out what the bank's daily limit for usage is for your checking account.
8- If a cardholder's balance is low, it's best not to use debit for purchases such as gas, where a hold of at least $50 will be placed on the card.
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| Go Direct is a national compaign designed to motivate more Americans to select direct deposit for their Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other federal benefit payments. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks are sponsoring the campaign. Click here for more info. |
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