Phishing:

Spam comes in a variety of forms, including fraudulent messages. This mass-messaging is called 'spoofing' or 'password phishing.'

Such fraudulent practices involve messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, or the creation of an official-looking webpage that asks you to provide your username and password or other personal information. Such messages or pages could ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, PIN number, credit card number, mother's maiden name, or birthday.

Spammers often ask for this information in an attempt to steal your account information, your money, your credit, or your identity.

You should always be wary of any message that asks for your personal information, or messages that refer you to a webpage asking for personal information. If you receive this type of message, especially from a source claiming to be Elko Federal Credit Union, please do not provide the information requested.

Here's what you can do to protect yourself and stop fraudsters:

· Make sure the URL domain on the given page is correct, and click on any images and links to verify that you are directed to proper pages within the site. For example, the Elko Federal Credit Union URL is http://www.elkofcu.org.  Although some links may appear to contain 'elkofcu.org,' you may be redirected to another site after entering such addresses into your browser.

·Always look for the closed lock icon in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window whenever you enter any private information, including your password.

·If you're still uncertain, contact the organization from which the message appears to be sent. Don't use the reply address in the message, since it can be forged. Instead, visit the official website of the company in question, and find a different contact address.

·If you enter your account or personal information as the result of a spoof or phishing message, take action quickly. Send a copy of the message header and the entire text of the message to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@ftc.gov. If you entered credit card or bank account numbers, contact your financial institution. If you think you may be the victim of identity theft, contact your local police.

·Elko Federal Credit Union doesn't send unsolicited mass messages asking for passwords or personal information. If you think your Elko Federal Credit Union account has been compromised, contact us at memberservices@elkofcu.org.

Something new that has come to light is voice phishing, or call phishing. This new type of scam is done over the phone system and the intended target recieves a fraudulent call from the phisher claiming to be from the financial institution warning of a fraud alert. These calls are automated and instruct the intended target to call a bogus phone number, DO NOT CALL THAT NUMBER! Instead, call only the number printed on the back of your card, or, if the card isn't available, call the number on your last statement.