PHISHING AND EMAIL FRAUD

Phishing is a cybercrime in which a fraudster tries to trick you into giving them your confidential information. The purpose of this is so they can steal your money and identity.  Phishing may be done using email, telephone (referred to as “vishing”) or text messages (referred to as “smishing”).

In each case, the goal is to convince you into revealing confidential information. Information they may try to obtain are bank account numbers, credit card information, passwords, login credentials, your Social Security Number (SSN) and/or your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

**Important** Silver State Schools Credit Union will never call you or email you to obtain your confidential information. The only time we may ask for your personal information is when you contact us, and we do so for security and identification purposes.

If you feel like that you are being phished or do not trust the call that has taken place, disconnect and call Silver State Schools Credit Union directly.

Be on the lookout for potential email fraud

The intention of email fraud is to trick you into clicking a link or downloading an attachment to gain access to your network and systems. Clicking on the link may download malware onto your computer or lead you to a fraudulent website, known as “Pharming.”

Be wary of links or attachments provided on the email.

Clicking on a link and/or attachment in a phishing email may take you to a fraudulent website or download malware. Pasting the link into the address bar can cause the same result.

Protect your information.

Do not provide confidential or personal identifying information in an email.
**Important** SSSCU will never ask for you to provide your personal identifying information in an email or text message.

Do not feel rushed or pressured.

Fraudulent emails will often tell a story to trick you into clicking the link/attachment. Sometimes the verbiage can be threatening or worrying. For example: “your account will be closed,” “your account is suspended,” “a report will be filed,” etc.
The fraudsters will make you believe something bad will happen if you do not hurriedly complete a task and provide the information requested. Do not fall for this tactic.
If you have any concerns over your account activity or relationship, contact SSSCU directly.

Review the grammar, spelling and personalization of the email.

Typically, a fraudulent email will contain poor grammar and misspelled words.  Also, the email may not address you by name or contain any personalization.

Review the email address.

The email may come through under a trusted source (examples: financial institution, known relative, insurance company, etc.). Ensure you expand this section to reveal the email address in its entirety. The email address will be altered (even in the slightest) if sent by a fraudster.

An example:

• Valid Email: info@email.silverstatecu.com
• Altered Email: info@email1.si1verstatecu.com

As you can see, the minor change that occurred was the L in “email” and “silverstate” was changed to 1. What the fraudster wants to do is make you believe it is the true email address at first glance with minor changes. Always be alert.

If you suspect any fraudulent activity on your account, please contact Silver State Schools Credit Union immediately. you can contact us in the following methods:

• Call us at 800.357.9654
• Access the Secure Chat in Online or Mobile Banking.
• Email us at support@silverstatecu.com
• Visit a local branch.