A new scam called Vishing
Watch out for a new scam called vishing, short for voice phishing. Vishing uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones to steal member's financial information.There are at least two ways scammers can use Vishing:
1) Online version
The scammer sends a blast e-mail, disguised to appear as though it’s from your credit union, bank, online payment service or another well-known business. The e-mail, which may have a trusted logo, typically reports a "security" problem with the recipient’s account and urges the member/member to call a telephone number to "straighten things out."
Although many members know better than to click on hyperlinks in strange e-mails for fear of being "phished," they often feel safe calling a telephone number that appears to be local or toll-free. When the member calls, they reach an automated attendant prompting them to enter their account number, password or other private information for "security verification" purposes.
2) Cold Call
Some vishers use automated dialing programs to "cold call" members. The members caller ID device may list a legitimate-looking local phone number. A pre-recorded message (or sometimes a live "employee") claims the member’s account has been compromised or needs updating or verification. The member is asked to enter their account information, which is recorded on the scammer’s computer.
How to protect yourself
Be weary of anyone calling or emailing you for personal financial information. If you are ever in doubt about a phone call from Arizona Federal, call our main number (602) 683-1000 in Maricopa County or (800) 523-4603 anywhere else in the U.S.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides several great resources at www.onguardonline.gov. They have interactive quizzes designed to help you understand more about identity theft, phishing, spam and online-shopping scams. You can also find detailed guidance on how to monitor your credit history, use effective passwords and recover from identity theft.
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