Vishing

"Vishing" are scams that are made possible by Internet telephone services, which allow computer users to quickly establish phone numbers without the usual verifications that traditional phone companies use. In addition, Internet phone companies are able to generate numbers with a choice of area code despite the user being located outside of that area. Other regional financial institutions have been targeted as well as eBay's online payment service PayPal.

Take steps to avoid being vished:

• If you get a phone call and someone asks you to give or confirm credit card or personal information, hang up. Then call your credit union or the financial institution that issued the card by using the phone number on the back of the card or on your statement and report the attempt. If the call was legitimate, the provider will know it (InfoWorld.com July 10).
• If you get a call from someone who claims to be from a financial institution you do business with, and who knows your credit card account number but wants the three-digit code on the back of the card, immediately hang up.
• If you get an e-mail message asking you to call a toll-free number to verify account information, delete the e-mail. Never provide personal information or account information based on an e-mail request.
• Don't be fooled by the fact that the caller's phone number appears to be a regional telephone number--it could have been spoofed, which is easy to do using VoIP.
• Be suspicious of any phone or e-mail contact that doesn't use your first name or surname.
• Never dial a call return number--or reply to an e-mail--regarding any financial matter.
  

We at HawaiiUSA FCU care about you. Don't become a victim of identity theft! For more Member Tips, [click here].