Phishing is a technique used to gain personal information for the purposes of Identity Theft, using fraudulent email messages that appear to come from their financial institution or legitimate businesses. These authentic looking messages may contain authentic logos and taglines and are designed to fool recipients into providing personal data such as account numbers, credit card numbers and social security numbers.
Most often the email states that the recipients attention is needed immediately and provides a link to click on to verify their personal information. If these thieves obtain enough personal data, they can make purchases on another person’s credit card or even steal that person’s identity.
Sooner State Bank will never send you an e-mail requesting personal information, such as your Social Security number, M&T Check Card or ATM Card number or PIN.
For more information on Phishing, visit:
- http://www.fraudwatchinternational.com/phishing-fraud/phishing-home/
- http://www.federalreserve.gov/BoardDocs/Press/other/2004/20040908/default.htm
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protect-yourself-from-phishing-0c7ea947-ba98-3bd9-7184-430e1f860a44#:~:text=Phishing%20(pronounced%3A%20fishing)%20is,that%20pretend%20to%20be%20legitimate
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-online-security
Tips to Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams:
- Never respond to an e-mail requesting personal financial information.
- Never click on Hyperlinks within emails if you believe it may be fraudulent; the hyperlink may contain a virus.
- Use SPAM Filter Software
- Use Anti-Virus Software
- Keep Software Updated (operating systems and web browsers)
- Always look for “https://” and padlock on legitimate web sites that require the input of personal information
- Keep your computer clean from Spyware
- Educate yourself of fraudulent activity on the Internet
- Check & monitor your credit report regularly
- Seek Advice – if you are unsure, ask: scams@fraudwatchinternational.com
- Do not be intimated by emails that threaten termination of service if you do not follow the instructions contained in the email.
- If you believe the email you received is fraudulent, and that you may be a victim of a phishing scam, contact your financial institution immediately and monitor your accounts closely. You may also report fraudulent emails to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-stop-junk-mail or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.
- Delete emails before opening them if you receive an email from anyone that you do not recognize.