PHISHING AND PHARMING
What are they and why do you need to know?

With the increase in Internet use, there are many threats to be aware of.  Phishing and Pharming are two of them.

PHISHING is an attempt to steal your personal account information by getting you to go to a fake website.  This is usually accomplished by sending you an e-mail that looks like it is from a well-known company, such as eBay, telling you that you need to login and verify your information by clicking on the link provided.  DO NOT click on that link.  It will most likely take you to a false website that looks like the official one; however, your account information may be stolen if you enter it. 

PHARMING is a little different.  With pharming, a program is unknowingly installed on your computer through spy ware that will redirect you when online.  An example would be when you type in www.ebay.com; the pharming program will redirect you to a fake eBay site in an attempt to steal your account information. 

The more you know, the better prepared you are to deal with these types of attacks.  You can learn more at the site of the Anti-Phishing Working Group.

Be safe, be smart....don't be sorry.

 

Your credit is on the line.
Someone has your personal information and is opening accounts and  making purchases.
What can you do to avoid this scenario?

ID theft occurs when a criminal steals your account or personal information and uses it to secure loans, credit cards, checks, merchandise, etc. 
The good news is you can dramatically reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft by following these relatively simple steps:

Documents- lighten your wallet.  Remove all PIN codes for your plastic, your Social Security card, and your checkbook. With a debit card you can make purchases even easier than with cash or a check.

Checks - do not print your drivers license number or Social Security number on your checks. When you order a new batch, have only your initials and last name printed, no phone number. Order checks from your credit union and ask for security features such as tamperproof paper.

Lock up your at-home documents.  One in 7 cases of ID theft can be traced to a family member or trusted associate.

Shred- credit card offers, ATM receipts, checks, deposit slips, insurance papers, pay stubs, tax records, etc.  Do not put them in the garbage.

If possible, get your credit and debit cards with your picture on it.  Inquire at your bank or credit union.

Make photocopies of all your credit and ID cards.  Keep the information secure. This is the information you will need in case your cards are lost or stolen.

Make sure all your mail goes directly into a post office or official mailbox.

Never buy anything over the phone or on the Internet unless you initiate the call or transaction. 

Never give your personal information to anyone claiming you have won a prize or special offer.

Visit the FTC site on Identity Theft for more information and contact numbers for the major credit bureaus.

6 Ways to Make your Money
Work for YOU...

1.  Make the Credit Union your Primary Financial Institution.  Move your financial services to the Credit Union, and experience the difference.  Share with us what you need and we'll help you with a financial plan.

2.  Pay Yourself First.  We offer special tools that help you get the best use of your paycheck.  Utilize direct deposit or payroll deduction to force regular savings habits and to save time on payday.

3.  Spot-Budget for 2006.  Target challenge areas such as clothing or entertainment, and build a budget around them.  Get a book that will allow you to save receipts for these categories and take notes on how well the budget is working.

4.  Check Your Credit Report.  Make a ritual of checking your "slate" at the beginning of the year to be sure it's clean. If you are unsure of how to obtain a copy of your credit report, contact the Credit Union.

5.  Take Care of Any Charged Vacation Expenses Early.  If consolidating your credit cards at a lower rate is in order, handle it soon after the New Year.  We always have valuable tools to help you manage your debt.

6.  Create an Emergency Fund.  Start by having a garage sale or go to eBay to auction off those items you'll never use. Having the money in an account is far more practical than saving those items for next year's white elephant or re-gifting.