• Text Scam Disguised as SunFCU.mobile  (November 2009)

   

  Sun Federal has become aware of a new text scam. Criminals call cell phones using the ID SunFCU.mobile. The text messages asks you to call (866) 966-9754 and give your Mater Card number and Sun Federal personal account number.

   

  DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER. DO NOT ENTER YOUR CREDIT CARD OR PIN, ACCOUNT INFORMATION OR ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION FOR ANY REASON.

   

  If you'd like more information on this scam, contact your local police department.

   

• New York Metro Text Message Attack (September 2009)

   

  A Card Alert Service reported that phone number (845) 765-9464 is being used by criminals to actively collect debit card and PIN information from consumers in the New York area. Text messages are being delivered to fandom NY area consumers with the warning that their debit cards have been closed or somehow compromised. When consumers call the telephone number, they hear a recording that requests a 16-digit card number and PIN.

   

  DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER - IT IS STILL ACTIVE. DO NOT ENTER YOUR DEBIT CARD OR PIN INFORMATION OR ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION FOR ANY REASON.

   

• Text Phishing Scams (July 2009)

   

  Two separate phishing attempts were circulated via text message. These are Fraudulent Messages. Sun Federal Credit Union and Sun East does NOT communicate via text messages. The messages are below and the phone numbers associated with these messages have been shut down.

   

  Message 1: SUN.EAST@suneast.org / Sun East F.C.U. Call us at 1-877-382-4627 regarding this SMS Alert (Notification). Thank you. /

   

  Message 2: SunEast@suneast.org / SunEast F.C.U. Go Paperless - 5 Members Will Win $5,000. Ends 08/24/09. Call us at 1-877-278-0380/1-877-267-3334. Thank you. /

   

  DO NOT CALL THESE NUMBERS. DO NOT ENTER YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION, PIN NUMBERS OR ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION FOR ANY REASON.

   

• The "Grandparent Scam" (April 2009)
  
  Older adults are victims of financial frauds and scams every day, especially during tough economic times when consumers are more desperate for money.  The latest scam circulating is the "Grandma, it's me" scam. Scammers call unsuspecting seniors and in a highly-excited and anxious voice say, "Hi, Grandma/Grandpa, it's me." The senior will reply with "Oh, Johnny, what's wrong?" The scammers pretend to be "grandson Johnny," and say they are in trouble and need money wired immediately to them for bail or a hospital bill. This is a financially and emotionally devastating scam, and has occurred throughout Ohio.

   

• Old Scam Making Alarming Comeback on Facebook (March 2009)
  
  Do you remember the classic "Nigerian 419" scam, where a rich Prince or Bank Executive from a foreign country just needed your banking information to facilitate a transfer of funds? In exchange for your help, you would receive a percentage of those funds gratis. And just like that, you could make a profit. Unfortunately, the only ones profiting were the thieves, who would use the banking information given to them to drain the funds from your account and disappear.

   

  Hopefully, you didn't fall for this scam, but thousands of would-be Good Samaritans and those hoping to make a quick profit did-some of them even went to Nigeria to meet the 'Prince' or 'Bank Executive' themselves.

   

  A disturbing new spin on the classic "Nigerian 419" scam has emerged recently. You may be too savvy to fall for the Prince, but what if you received word that one of your own friends or loved ones was in danger and needed your help and funds immediately? Many of us, no matter how aware we may be, would do anything to help our loved ones in a time of need. In fact, a recent article by Bob Sullivan of The Red Tape Chronicles highlights just such a scenario:

   

  One evening, Bryan Rutberg's daughter ran into his bedroom asking why he'd changed his Facebook status to read "BRYAN IS IN URGENT NEED OF HELP!!!." Initially, Bryan let this go, until his wife woke him to ask him what was wrong. By this time the incident had his attention and soon, he realized his Facebook account had been hacked. Friends began to call incessantly-several of them had received an email stating that Bryan had been held up at gunpoint while travelling abroad and needed cash to return home. One concerned friend even wired $1,200.00 to London via Western Union.

   

  Bryan began an urgent search for a way to reach Facebook and stop the hackers. But by this time the hackers had managed to lock Bryan out of his own account. They had changed his username and password so that he couldn't access his Facebook page. Because of this, he couldn't remove the ominous status message or contact his friends to let them know this was a scam. The hackers had even "de-friended," his wife, so he was unable to post a message in her account alerting his friends to the situation and let them know he was really safe at home. Eventually, he was able to get his account deactivated; but not before his friend had lost a considerable amount of money, not to mention the time it took for Bryan to sort out the mess. "It was all over by Thursday (the next day) but not without a lot of drama," he said. By then, one concerned colleague had even called Microsoft to warn the firm that Rutberg was in trouble. Bryan and his friend who wired the money were both educated Microsoft employees; which speaks to the fact that anyone can fall victim to new and increasingly sophisticated attacks. Brian was the victim of a newer, more precise version of the "Nigerian 419" scam. Instead of sending out millions of spam messages in the hopes of fooling a small percentage of recipients, Cyber Thieves are getting much more personal in their attacks, using social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace to victimize users. In Bryan's case, criminals were able to steal his Facebook password, steal his Facebook identity, and change his status to make it seem he was in trouble and needed help.

   

  What can you do to protect yourself from social networking scams? A few basic precautions are as follows:

  • Change your password regularly, be sure that it is unique and preferably alphanumeric

  • It's not a good idea to have the same password for more than one account

  • Be very cautious of any friend or contact asking for money or for personally identifying information. If you do receive such a request, call the person and verify their request over the phone

  • Have more than one email address, in case one address is hacked or compromised

  If you feel that your Facebook identity has been compromised, Facebook has established a link to report the abuse. Note: It's difficult to find navigating Facebook's home page; so keep this link handy.

   

  http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=account_compromised

   

• Web Sites Offering Government Grant Money Are Bogus
  (March 2009)

  Con artists are creating phony Web sites that promise government grants for just about anything and because it is a "grant, the money is free and never has to be repaid."

   

  The Consumer Federation of America (CFA), Better Business Bureau, and the Federal Trade Commission have received numerous complaints from people who took the bait. A spokesperson for the CFA says the Web sites are being advertised on search engines and social networking sites, portrayed as part of the government’s stimulus package.

   

  The scammers even create bogus blogs, to tout and drive traffic to their sites. One blog tells how a young woman got $12,000 from the government to start her own business. She urges readers to get their share of the “free money” by visiting a Web site.

   

  “Don’t fall for it,” warns Eileen Harrington, acting director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “There is no money in the stimulus package to send out individual checks to people.”

   

  The Federal government does legitimately give out billions of dollars in grant money every year. Most of these grants either help students pay for college or are for clearly defined reasons, such as research or charitable work. Information can be found at free government Web sites, such as: http://www.grants.gov/; http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/; http://www.govbenefits.gov/; and http://www.sba.gov/.
   

• Fraud Alert For Sun Federal Members With Cell Phones!
  (Feb. 27, 2009)
  Sun Federal would like to warn members of a current cell phone phishing scam. Several members, and non-members, have received a cell phone call stating "this is Sun East calling to “alert” you that your Visa Card or ATM/CheckCard has been compromised." The call then asks for card number, expiration date and PIN. Once the information is provided the phone call abruptly ends. The caller ID phone number that shows during the call was manipulated to show that the calls were coming from legitimate places of business throughout the U.S. and Canada. DO NOT call the number that comes up on caller ID for any reason and DO NOT provide your confidential account information during the call. Sun Federal would never ask you for this information over the telephone.
   

• Beware Of Bogus IRS Phishing Scam February 2009
  MADISON, Wis. (3/3/09)--A bogus e-mail that appears to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is making the rounds. It tells recipients they are about to be audited or are due a big refund. The Delaware Credit Union League is alerting its member credit unions about the scam.

  The e-mail uses the IRS logo at the top, but the message is phony (MSNBC.com via Delaware Credit Union League Risk Alert March 2).

  The scammers want consumers to click on a link in the e-mail that takes the recipient to the scammers' website--which looks identical to the IRS site.

  The bogus site contains a form that asks for Social Security number, birth date, mother's maiden name, credit card information and an ATM card personal identification number.

  With this information, scammers could charge items to consumers' credit cards and drain their bank and credit union accounts. The Social Security numbers could be used to access medical records and financial accounts, and even assume the consumer's identity.

  The IRS will never send taxpayers an e-mail if it has to do with their account or private information. An unsolicited e-mail that purports to be from the IRS is bogus. Don't click on links or open attachments. Delete the e-mail.

  -CUNA News Now  
   

• Members Receiving Phishing Cell Phone Text Messages January 2009
  The purpose of this fraud alert is to inform you of a scam that involves unsolicited text messages sent to cell phones. The message urges the recipient to call a number provided for information about account discrepancies and then solicits individual account information and pin numbers.

   

  Several Sun FCU members in the 419 area code have received a text message telling them to call the NCUA at 408/465-7403 “regarding your account.” Members should not call any unsolicited numbers in a text message. Neither the NCUA nor Sun Federal will request sensitive information in this manner. The 408 number is answered with a recording stating “NCUA” and then asks callers to enter their 16-digit credit or debit card number and three additional pieces of sensitive information. The text message does not reference a specific financial institution.

   

  Cell phone users should be wary of unsolicited text messages. Such messages should be deleted and all deleted text messages should be removed, if possible, as the perpetrators have been known to use Spyware in conjunction with their text message solicitation.
   

• Email Phishing Scam Related to Airline Ticket Purchase
  An e-mail “phishing” scam seeks to plant malicious software on the computers of recipients who open an attachment purportedly related to the purchase of an airline ticket. The fake e-mails use the names of various U.S. airlines including Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, US Airways, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Midwest Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. The e-mail messages urge recipients to confirm a ticket purchase they never ordered. The e-mail requires an entry by thanking recipients for buying the tickets using the “Buy flight ticket online” service offered by the airline. Giving fake details of the purchased ticket, it asks them to confirm the purchase by printing the invoice and the ticket after clicking on an attachment in the mail. However, when unsuspecting recipients click on the e-mail, a malicious software program downloads onto their computers. This “malware” enables the fraudsters to gain confidential information such as credit card access codes, Social Security numbers, and net banking passwords by allowing them remote access to the computers. Airlines say there are a couple of things inside the mail that should warn people of the scam. The e-mails contain mistakes in spelling and grammar, and the formats in which the itineraries are presented are different than those used by the airlines. You and your members should be aware that these e-mails are not coming from the airline. If the format does not look familiar to you, and you have not recently purchased a ticket, do not open the attachment. Delete the e-mail right away.
   

• Scams Sent Via Text Message & Cell Phone
  (Reported September 9, 2008 by Pennsylvania Credit Union Association [pcuainfo@pcua.coop]) 
   

• Phishing Scams Affecting Ohio Credit Unions
  (Reported August 19, 2008 - Ohio Credit Union League)
  Multiple phishing scams posing as various Ohio credit unions began circulating. Members and non-members are receiving e-mails and cell phone text messages informing them that online account access has been suspended. Recipients are given a phone number to call to re-instate their online access (this is how the fraudsters steal their account information and potentially withdraw funds). Ohio credit unions have already had members fall prey to these scams. DO NOT CALL THIS PHONE NUMBER. If you receive a phishing email asking for information described, please contact Sun Federal Credit  Union.
   

• Fraud Alert: Fraudsters Posing As CUNA (Reported August 7, 2008)
  CUNA is aware of new phishing e-mails that are circulating. These e-mails reference a new service, "Your Credit Union Rewards You." with a link to collect the reward. Neither CUNA nor CUNA Strategic Services offers such a program. Do not provide any information to these sites. The Credit Union National Association is the trade association for credit unions in the US. CUNA does not maintain any type of customer/member financial information. Additionally, your financial institution would never request personal identification information over the phone via an e-mail solicitation. If you did respond to this e-mail, you should contact your financial institution directly using the local phone number provided by your financial institution.
   

• Fraud Alert For Sun Federal Members! (July 2008)
  Sun Federal would like to warn members of a current telephone phishing scam. Several members have received a phone call stating "this is Sun Federal calling to let you know that your Visa Credit Card or ATM Check Card account has been suspended." Members are then directed to call a 515-414-xxxx (last 4 digits vary) telephone number to reactivate the account. This is a scam! Please DO NOT call the 515 number.
   

• Pennsylvania Attorney General Corbett Warns Consumers To Be Watchful For Undisclosed Energy "Surcharges" (Reported May 2008)
   

• Vishing Attacks Increase: A Message From The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (Reported January 2008)
   

• Email Scam: Poses As NCUA
  
  Subject: NCUA Account Review Department

  
  Dear Credit Union holder account,
  This notice informs you that your Credit Union bank has joined our Federal Credit Union(FCU) network. For both, our and your security, we are asking you to activate an online account on our database. After activation you can login on our system with your SSN and your Credit/Debit PIN number.
  
  You must visit the FCU activation page and fill in the form to activate your online account: https://www.ncua.gov/activate_account
  
  In accordance with NCUA User Agreement, you can use your online account in 24 hours after activation. We thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Please understand that this is a security measure intended to help protect you and your account.
  
  National Credit Union Administration Team apologize for any inconvenience.
  
  Sincerely,
  NCUA Account Review Department
   

• Spam Scam: Be aware of a spam scam with vicious virus attachment
  the Sober Y worm virus -- declared this “year’s worst” virus -- is circulating around the world via an E-mail that purports addresses such as ncuf@ncuf.coop, admin@fbi.gov, or admin@cia.gov. The email says the recipient has been logged as a visitor to illegal websites and should open the attachment to answer some questions.
   

• Never supply sensitive information (such as user id and password, etc.) via email.
   

• Links that are contained in an email received from an unknown source should not be trusted, since they could lead an end user to an unsafe site that looks genuine, but is used as a way to collect sensitive information.
   

• Accessing SunTouch 24 account access by typing the URL into the browser's address bar (or by using a previously established bookmark) is the safest way to gain access, and prevents scammers from redirecting you to an unsafe site.
   

• If you have questions about email that is purportedly sent by Sun Federal Credit Union, please contact us before taking any action.

 

• Jury Duty Telephone Scam
  In this con, someone calls pretending to be a court official who threateningly says a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you didn't show up for jury duty. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Sometimes they even ask for credit card numbers. Give out any of this information and bingo! Your identity just got stolen.
  
  The scam has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado. This (scam) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they're with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.
   

• JQ Bank Grant Scam

  According to the Better Business Bureau, law enforcement and other agencies, a new type of online scam for grant money has surfaced.  This scam appears to be another version of the  “overpayment scam”.

   

  Victims are solicited online regarding grants that may be available to them.  These grants may be for education, debt relief, low income subsidy, or any other type of “financial aid.”  Responding victims apply for their grant and are sent printed information along with a check, typically for $4,975.00.  They are then directed to a website for instructions.  The site instructs the victim to purchase a specific variety of stored value credit card (*GREENDOT Reloadable/MoneyPak) and load it with the grant broker’s “commission.”  They are promised a second, larger check after the stored value card number is e-mailed to the broker.  Of course, the card is quickly liquidated and the original check is later returned as counterfeit, or account closed. 

   

  The websites reportedly used in the scam are:  www.jqbank.com, www.grantchecks.com, www.beverlyhillsgrants.com, and www.grantoutlet.com.  The scammers move their operation to a new website when they start attracting too much scrutiny. 
   

  * GREENDOT Reloadable/Money Pak stored value credit cards are legitimate cards but are being used as part of this scam.

   

  Scam Details:
   

  • A grant seems like a reasonable explanation for receiving a large sum of money and is very attractive to college students.  
     
  • The counterfeit checks are often drawn on an active and verifiable account, typically at Wells Fargo.
     
  • Convincing printed information is provided to the victim with a plausible explanation for why funds need to be sent back to the broker. (Conflict of interest, regulations, etc…)
     
  • Money is transferred back to the scammer via stored value credit card. Thus, avoiding the suspicion often generated by wire transfers.  This method also facilitates further laundering of the stolen funds.

  OR:

  • Grant money is received for a mere commission of 10% of the check amount.
     
  • The receiver of the grant money deposits the check, and then via Electronic Funds Transfer, sends 10% of the check amount back through a given website. 
     
  • The check is returned as counterfeit and the thief now has the depositor’s good money along with their bank account information.

Fraud Protection for Sun Federal Products
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Account security is a high priority for Sun Federal Credit Union. We take every precaution to prevent and avoid fraudulent activity. Whenever we learn of potential risk or exposure members can trust appropriate measures will be taken immediately. We have security measures that give members an extraordinary level of protection. Plus, with the following tips in mind, members can feel confident wherever using a Sun Federal Visa Credit Card or ATM Check Card.

Card and PIN safety

• Report lost or stolen cards immediately. During business hours call your local office. Outside business hours, please call (800) 991-4961 for Visa or (800) 523-4175.
• Activate your card and sign the signature panel as soon as you receive it.
• Protect your cards as if they were cash.
• Don’t leave your cards in the glove compartment of your car. An alarmingly high proportion of all card thefts occur in glove compartments.
• Never write down your PIN—memorize it. Also, never use your PIN as a password.
• Ensure that you get your card back after every purchase.
• Always check sales vouchers for the correct purchase amount before you sign them, and keep copies of your vouchers and ATM receipts.
• Always reconcile each of your statements and verify the amounts of your purchases and transactions.
• Make a comprehensive list of all your cards and their numbers and store it in a safe place.
• Don’t volunteer any personal information when you use your credit card, other than by displaying personal ID as requested by a merchant.
• Don’t lend your card to anyone. You are responsible for its use. Some credit card misuse can be traced directly to family and friends.
• Never disclose your PIN to anyone. No one from a financial institution, the police, or a merchant should ask for a PIN.

How can someone steal your identity? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Take the Identity Theft IQ Test. Also, check out the following information:

ID Theft Resources from CUNA
ID Theft: Are You Protected?
For Ohio ID Theft Victims
Guard Against ID Theft While Shopping
Warning Signs Of Child Identity Theft
Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft
Take Precautions: Protect Your Personal Information

ID Theft: Are You Protected?
Identity theft is more than an inconvenience to those that are attacked. It can haunt victims for years.

Order a credit report.
Your consumer rights now allow you to obtain a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months from all 3 bureaus.  You can request them all at the same time or staggered throughout the year. 

Many times people don’t realize that they have been a victim until long after the ID Theft has occurred. One way to be more vigilant and detect theft early is to order a credit report at least annually from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Until recently, each report had to be purchased separately, but the bureaus have joined forces and created a combined report that may be ordered from the bureau of your choice. Victims of ID theft can now call any bureau toll-free to report a theft and the information would be relayed to all three agencies. When reviewing the report it is important to:

• Ensure all accounts listed are legitimate accounts and the balances are what you expect them to be.
• Look for anything suspicious. Review who has ordered your credit report and make sure you’ve authorized all of the inquiries. Names of companies that you are not familiar with may be a sign of fraud.
• Check for addresses where you have never lived.
• Check for typos in your social security number. 5. If there is any incorrect information in the records contact the credit bureau, creditor, employer, or government agency immediately. Follow up with a letter describing what actions were taken.

Ohio ID Theft Victims Given Tool to Undo Damage
Victims of identity theft now have a way of showing law enforcement and creditors that their ID has been stolen and can begin re-establishing their credit history and identifying fraudulent criminal charges.

The statewide Identity Theft Verification Passport program allows victims to receive a Passport card after filing a police report and the law enforcement agency verifies it. The application is designed to take less than 10 minutes. The application can only be filed by law enforcement officials through the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway, a secure Web site used by law enforcement agencies to share information.

The agency submits the application and police report to the attorney general's office, which verifies the information and issues an identification number to the victim. The number is placed on the card, which the victim must activate.

The program uses several security features, such as a picture, fingerprint, and signature, which are stored as identifiers. If a member of law enforcement stops someone claiming to be an identity-theft victim, the officer can check whether the picture, fingerprint, and signature match those in the database.

For additional information, call 1-888-694-3463 or visit www.ag.state.oh.us.

Guard Against ID Theft While Shopping
Here are some safety tips to help guard against theft while shopping:

• Carry only what's needed. Limit the credit and debit cards you carry, so if the wallet's stolen, you've made harder for crooks to cash out on multiple cards.
   

• Guard your Social Security Card. Never carry the card unless you know you'll need it. Store it in a secure place. Don't put your Social Security number or driver's license on your checks.
   

• Exercise caution in giving out personal information. Don't give information over the phone, through mail or over the Internet unless you're the one who initiated the contact.
   

• Guard against phishing when shopping online. Shop online only at legitimate websites to avoid "phishers" who bait potential victims with e-mails and lure them to sites that look legitimate but aren't. Be wary of responding to "great" specials received via email or online. Do not provide sensitive personal and financial information to anyone promising gift cards or merchandise from major retailers.
   

• Memorize your PIN and online password. One-third of ATM frauds involved cardholders who wrote their PIN on their ATM cards or on slips of papers kept with the cards. Don't use your address, birth date or Social Security number as a PIN or password.
   

• Watch cashiers closely. Watch anyone who handles your check or plastic cards. Make sure they swipe the card only once. Get your cards back quickly and never let them out of your sight.
   

• Watch your paperwork. Always take receipts and carbons. Thieves can retrieve information on them by "dumpster diving" through your trash. They look for pre-approved offers you may have received in the mail with your bank statements, ATM receipts and discarded checks. Shred important information.
   

• Be suspicious of phone solicitations. Never provide information unless you initiate the call. To reduce telephone solicitations from national marketers, send your name, address and phone number to: DMA Telephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014.
   

• Check your credit report. Once a year, get a copy of your credit report from the three main credit reporting agencies. Look for errors that could negatively impact you. The law permits the credit bureaus to charge up to $9 for each report, but in early 2005, consumers can get a free annual credit report.

Warning Signs of Child Identity Theft
Identity theft crooks increasingly are targeting teenagers and even young children. Why? Because young victims may not discover the crime until years later when they open a checking account or apply for a credit card (MarketWatch.com Nov. 15).

Know the warning signs of child identity theft:

• Pre-approved credit card offers arrive in the child's name;
   

• Credit card or other financial statements (other than those held jointly by parent and child) arrive in the child's name;
   

• The child receives collection-agency notifications or calls about accounts established fraudulently in the child's name.

Know how to protect children from identity theft:

• Don't carry a child's Social Security card in your wallet or purse.
   

• Don't release a child's personal information without knowing who will use it and for what purpose.
   

• Limit the number of copies of the child's birth certificate and Social Security number you give out. The Identity Theft Resource Center recommends you ask who will have access to information and where it will be stored, even if the copies are required for participation in sports or other extracurricular activities.
   

• Tell the child why he or she shouldn't give out personal information, particularly on the Internet.

Order copies of the child's credit report annually from the three main credit-reporting agencies. The report will include legitimate accounts--such as credit cards in the teenager's name--as well as unauthorized accounts and requests for credit.

Protecting Yourself Against ID Theft

• Be careful about the information you give out over the phone or on the Internet unless you are sure you know whom you are dealing with. If someone calls you, do not assume they are who they say they are. Insist on calling back on a number you know is legitimate.
   

• Remember that Web sites can be faked. What may look like a legitimate online storefront or contest may simply be a scam to trick you into revealing personal information.
   

• Take a good hard look at what you are carrying around in your wallet or purse. Carry only the identification information and the number of credit and debit cards that you will actually need. Leave your Social Security card – and anything that bears that number – in a secure place. Your medical insurance card may have your social security number. Make a copy of the card, black out the number on the copy, and carry the copy.
   

• Make a photocopy of the front and back of everything in your wallet or purse. Put the copy in a safe place so you will have the account numbers and contact numbers in the event you need to cancel credit cards.
   

• Do not have your SSN or DL# printed on your checks.
   

• Make sure checks (used and unused), credit cards, bank records, and other personal information is carefully secured in your home or office, particularly if other people, whether workers or roommates, will be around.
   

• Guard your mail. If your mailbox is left unattended during the day while you are not at home, consider installing a locked mailbox, a mail slot, or using a Post Office Box.
   

• Hold onto your purse, your wallet, your checkbook. Do not leave them unattended. If you discover a checkbook, credit card, or personal information missing, take appropriate action to notify your financial institutions.
   

• If your deposit account information ends up in the hands of the wrong party, consider closing your account and opening a new one with a new account number.
   

• Shred documents with sensitive/confidential information before throwing them away.
   

• Secure your trash. Be careful what you throw away. Statements from your doctor, checks on closed accounts, expired charge cards or IDs are treasures to thieves. . Dumpster divers can piece together little bits of information to get what they need to steal your identity.
   

• If you do not use pre-screened offers for credit, opt out of receiving them.
  Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT
   

• Talk to the financial institutions and brokerage firms where you have accounts about placing passwords on them.
   

• Choose passwords for online financial services wisely. Avoid anything easily guessed or learned via research, such as mother’s maiden name, kids’ names, and pets’ names.
   

• Take your receipt with you when you leave the ATM.
   

• Ask about information security and data storage procedures of the companies you do business with, including your doctor’s office, dentist’s office, and anywhere else that has your Social Security number.
   

• Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary.
   

• Know your billing and statement cycles. If something is late, find out why.
   

• Check your banking, brokerage, and credit card statements immediately after receipt in order to spot bogus charges.
   

• Cancel all unused credit accounts.
   

• Be wary of promotional scams, “You are a winner” letters, and requests for help from strangers in foreign countries who promise you riches.
   

• Be sure that you receive your check orders in a timely manner.
   

• Obtain a copy of your credit report once a year and take action if there is information about transactions or accounts you did not initiate.
   

• Consider signing up for a service that will monitor your credit report and any new credit accounts/inquiries for you and will notify you of changes. Sun Federal will soon have a web link to a service that will monitor your credit report and any new credit accounts/inquiries for you and will notify you of changes.

Precautions: Protect Your Personal Information.
If you receive pre-screened credit card offers and don’t tear them up, identity thieves could retrieve the offers and use them to steal your identity without your knowledge.

• To opt out of receiving pre-screened credit card offers,
  call: 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or click here.
   
• In addition, you can contact the three major credit bureaus and request that your personal information is not shared for promotional purposes by writing to:
   
  • Equifax, Inc. Options
    PO Box 740123
    Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
  • Experian Consumer Opt-Out
    701 Experian Parkway
    Allen, TX 75013
  • TransUnion Marketing List Opt-Out
    PO Box 97328
    Jackson, MS 39288-7328

Contact the Direct Marketing Association to opt-out of direct mail, telemarketing, and e-mail.

• For Direct Mail visit Off Direct Mail List or write:
  
  Mail Preferences Service
  PO Box 643
  Carmel, NY 10512
   

• For Telemarketing visit Off Telephone Mail List or write:
  
  Telephone Preferences Service
  PO Box 1559
  Carmel, NY  10512
   
• For E-mail go online at Off Email List. Your online request will be effective for one year.

In addition, you may register for a state “do not call” list. To see if one is available in your state, please see, FTC Do Not Call.

ID Theft: Are You Protected?
Identity theft is more than an inconvenience to those that are attacked. It can haunt victims for years.

Order a credit report.
Your consumer rights now allow you to obtain a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months from all 3 bureaus.  You can request them all at the same time or staggered throughout the year. 

Many times people don’t realize that they have been a victim until long after the ID Theft has occurred. One way to be more vigilant and detect theft early is to order a credit report at least annually from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Until recently, each report had to be purchased separately, but the bureaus have joined forces and created a combined report that may be ordered from the bureau of your choice. Victims of ID theft can now call any bureau toll-free to report a theft and the information would be relayed to all three agencies. When reviewing the report it is important to:

• Ensure all accounts listed are legitimate accounts and the balances are what you expect them to be.
• Look for anything suspicious. Review who has ordered your credit report and make sure you’ve authorized all of the inquiries. Names of companies that you are not familiar with may be a sign of fraud.
• Check for addresses where you have never lived.
• Check for typos in your social security number. 5. If there is any incorrect information in the records contact the credit bureau, creditor, employer, or government agency immediately. Follow up with a letter describing what actions were taken.

Online crooks are beginning to move from phishing to pharming to reap a bigger harvest of identity theft victims. Experts warn that pharming may be more sinister than phishing because it's harder to detect.

Unlike phishing, which uses e-mail spam to deliver fake messages, pharming operates through fake Web sites. It automatically directs computer users from a legitimate Web site to a fraudulent copy of that site with no warning signs. Once a victim is transferred to the fake site, it collects passwords, credit card numbers, and other private information for the purpose of committing identity theft.

Phishing requires a response from the victim, but pharming does not. One expert compared phishing to pulling individual fish out of an ocean, and pharming to throwing out a big net.

Currently, pharming attacks are rare, but security experts warn that they could become a problem in the coming months, exploding much the same as phishing attacks during the past year.

Online users are urged to watch for uncommon log-in processes that don't look the same as on the legitimate site. Some fraudulent sites will ask users for information such as a Social Security number, not normally required.

What You Can Do
The majority of identity fraud crimes are self-detected. You can be your own fraud monitor just by paying close attention to your statements, particularly online. According to a recent report by the Better Business Bureau, accessing accounts online provides earlier identity theft detection compared to monitoring monthly paper statements and bills. If you notice a suspicious transaction, promptly report it. By following these simple steps, you will be able to better protect your card from unauthorized use. Through SunTouch 24 and EZCardinfo.com, members can review account activity 24/7. We encourage you to enroll.

Ordering a Free Credit Report
Your consumer rights now allow you to obtain a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months from all 3 bureaus.  You can request them all at the same time or staggered throughout the year. 

• Via the Internet www.annualcreditreport.com

• Call 1-877-322-8228

• Annual Credit Report Request Service
  P.O. Box 105281
  Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

• SunGuard Member Payment Protection
• Guaranteed Asset Protection
• Mechanical Repair Coverage
• Member Notice of Collateral Insurance Requirement
• Home Insurance

 

Sun Federal Online Brochure Internet Pirates are Trying to Steal YOUR Personal Financial Information, but YOU can Stop Them

You’re Protected
Visa has highly sophisticated fraud-screening solutions in place and works with technology companies every day to enhance them. Field merchants also receive training from Visa on fraud protection. Visa mandates cardholder verification codes on the back of cards to help merchants match cards used for purchases with their authorized cardholders. Visa’s address verification service also helps merchants screen card-not-present transactions. Regardless of where you shop, enjoy the comfort of knowing you’re protected.

Monitoring of your Visa account for fraudulent activity
Continuous monitoring is an integral part of Visa’s multiple layers of security. In addition to other fraud monitoring tools, Visa can often spot fraud based upon transactions on the card that are outside of the cardholders' typical purchasing pattern. This allows Visa to spot fraudulent activity as quickly as possible, acting as an early-warning system to identify fraudulent activity.

Here are some red flags that indicate potentially fraudulent activity:

• Shipping address is different from the billing address. Or the shipping address has suddenly changed.
• Unusually large purchase compared to normal purchase patterns for the account in question.
• Change in name on the account
• Change in date of birth or social security number.

If there are suspicious transactions, Sun Federal Credit Union will contact you by phone to verify the validity of the questionable transactions.

A Word About Email Scams
One of the more common scams is a spam campaign that targets a broad range of recipients. The message sent usually requests sensitive information from the end user, such as user ID and password. The emails attempt to justify the request as a verification of account credentials, or make reference to other security-related motives. Others scammers reference an online service that might sound familiar to some recipients, such as an account transfer, or receipt of funds. Unfortunately, these types of scams are not difficult to arrange, and some of the emails are very authentic looking.

Online Safety
The Web can be a great place to find information, but be extra cautious about the information you give. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while online.

• Never send account information, such as your account number or PIN, in the body of an email. Email is not a secure form of communication.
• Beware of phishing emails. These are emails that appear to be from your financial institution or an online merchant asking you to provide your account information. These emails are bogus. Sun Federal, Visa and reputable merchants will never ask for any account or personal information in an email. Never click on Internet links within emails. Instead, type the known web address.
• Before making purchases online, be sure that the site has built-in security features to protect your account information. All reputable merchant sites use encryption technology to protect your private data from being read by others as you conduct an online transaction. Look for signs of security such as a padlock in the status bar at the bottom of the browser window, a web address that begins “https://”, or the words “Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).” These signs indicate that only you and the merchant can view your payment information.
• When using a public computer to shop online or access your account(s), always remember to log off and quit the browser when you’re finished. All it takes for someone to view your information is simply hitting the back button..
• Protect information by only using a computer that has a firewall in place.
• Implement anti-spyware and anti-virus software updates as soon as they’re available.
• Sign-up for Verified by Visa, a free service to add a password to your Visa for online purchases. When you shop at participating merchants, the password is required before the card is accepted as payment.

Google: Nationwide Reverse Telephone Book
Google has implemented a feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar and hit enter, and you will be given the person's name and address. If you then hit Map, you will get a map to the person's house.

It's a nationwide reverse telephone book. If a child gives out his/her phone number, someone can now look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious and alarming.

You can have your phone number removed or blocked. In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to Google at www.google.com, type your phone number in the search bar (e.g. 555- 555- 1212) and press enter. If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and then click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48 hours.

Please share this information with friends and family.

Mail and phone safety
Mail and telephone solicitations bring many tempting offers, but not all are legitimate! Be especially careful about deals that sound too good to be true, and keep the following advice in mind:

• Never give your account information to anyone claiming to be from Sun Federal or Visa unless you initiated the call. Sun Federal Credit Union employees will only verify information not ask for it!
• Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, especially if the sale must be completed immediately.
• Record the name, address and phone number of the soliciting organization, and references.
• Ask questions. The fewer questions a telemarketer can answer, the less likely they are a legitimate call.
• Do not give your account number over the phone unless you initiated the call. When in doubt, consult the Better Business Bureau or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
• Notify the Post Office immediately if you change your address.
• Make sure your mailbox is secure, and promptly remove delivered mail.
• Call the Post Office immediately if you are not receiving your mail.
• If you are told of a forwarding order placed on your mail without your knowledge, go to the Post Office to check the signature and cancel the order.

Suspicious Checks

If you can answer "Yes" to any of the following questions involving a check you plan on depositing, please call your local office immediately...the check is probably fraudulent.

• Is the check proceeds for an item you sold on the Internet such as a car, boat, jewelry, etc?

• Is the check amount more than the items selling price?

• Have you been instructed to wire funds out of the country as soon as possible?

• Is the check from an individual you have communicated with via email?

• Is the check drawn on a business or individual different from the person buying your item or product?

• Have you been informed that you were the winner in a lottery that you did not enter?

• Have you been asked to assist in the distribution of money from another country?

ATM safety
Using your ATM card is a convenient and safe way to get cash. Just be sure to keep in mind the following safety tips:

• Watch your surroundings -- If the machine is poorly lit, or in a hidden area, use another ATM.
• Guard your pin -- Keep a lookout for suspicious activity. Always guard your PIN and transaction amount, and immediately cancel your transaction and leave if you see something suspicious.
• Keep your card ready -- Avoid counting cash, or rummaging through personal items, while standing at the ATM.
• Be safe at the drive-thru -- When using a drive-through ATM, lock car doors and other windows—when walking up, never leave your car running or unlocked.
• Take your receipt -- Always take your receipt. It contains personal information that could be helpful to thieves.
• Avoid strangers -- When using an indoor ATM that requires your card to open the door, don’t let unknown people in.
• Be aware of suspicious items on the ATM ie. Additional devices, cameras etc.

Online Resources
(These links will take you off the Sun Federal Web site)

• IRS Warns of New Email and Telephone Scam Using the IRS Name

• Google: Nationwide Reverse Telephone Book

• United States Postal Inspection Service Public Awareness Campaign: FakeChecks.org / View Poster

• Press Release: Social Security Administration Phishing Scam

• LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com

• Fraud Education From Liberty

• FBI Scam Awareness

• Identity Theft: When fact becomes fiction

• Internet fraud preventive measures

• It's Your Identity: Who should protect it?
• Recovering from Identity Theft
• Simple photocopy can help save your name
• Take Charge: Fighting back against ID Theft
• Federal Trade Commission
• Equifax Credit Bureau
• Experian Credit Bureau
• TransUnion Credit Bureau
• Annual Credit Report.com