Security

Phishing Scams

One of the biggest security problems on the internet currently is Phishing.

Pronounced “fishing,” it is a scam to steal valuable information such as credit cards, social security numbers, user IDs and passwords. Also known as “brand spoofing,” an official-looking e-mail is sent to potential victims pretending to be from their ISP, retail store, etc., and that due to internal accounting errors or some other pretext, certain information must be updated to continue the service.

A link in the e-mail message directs the user to a Web page that asks for financial information. The page looks genuine because it is easy to fake a valid Web site. Any HTML page on the Web can be copied and modified to suit the Phishing scheme. Such e-mails can be sent to people on selected lists or to any list, expecting that some percentage of the recipients will actually have an account with the real organization. The term comes from “fishing” where bait is used to catch a fish. In Phishing, e-mail, fake websites, and faked popup windows become the bait.

For the protection of our members, Lake Chem Community FCU assures we will not initiate contact with any member requesting personal information of any kind, (social security numbers, passwords, etc.).

Our website is not set up to inquire about personal information, nor will our system automatically notify you with pop-up windows requiring such validation.

It is, however, our policy to validate your identity only when you have contacted us first, either by phone or by visiting our office, before some procedures can be completed. Member Service Representatives are able to define these terms for you.