Skip to main content

Email Phishing Scams

Phishing is a scheme used by fraudsters posing as a trusted financial institution, ATM/debit network, credit card company, online retailer or other service provider to trick individuals into disclosing personal and/or financial information.

Typically, you receive an unsolicited email or phone call appearing to be from an organization you recognize, asking you to verify personal and/or financial information. These organizations may connected to your checking or savings account, like your financial institution, utility company or an online payment company. The request usually warns that an unauthorized transaction has occurred or that your service may be interrupted or shut down unless you confirm your information. Phishing also occurs via email; the message may use the name, logo and other attributes of the legitimate business.

City CU will never email our Members to request or verify personal information.

How to safeguard yourself:

  • Don’t reply to any unsolicited email or pop-up message asking for personal or financial information.
  • If you suspect an email or text is fraudulent, don’t click any links (not even to “unsubscribe"). Call the business to confirm the legitimacy of the email. Never send personal information via email or text.
  • If you initiate an online transaction and need to provide personal data, look for indicators that the web site is secure, like “https” in the URL or a padlock icon.
  • Keep your debit card within sight when making purchases.
  • Use anti-virus software, anti-spyware and a firewall and keep them up to date.
  • Review account statements regularly to verify transactions.
  • Report all phishing attacks immediately. Notify the FBI by filing a complaint with their Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
  • Change your debit card PIN periodically.
  • If you give personal or financial information to a fraudulent request, report this to your account provider(s) as soon as possible. Keep a record of the account numbers and customer service numbers for your financial accounts.
  • Report the theft to the three major credit report bureaus.
  • Review your credit report every year.

How can we help you today?