By now many of you have become very familiar with the email scam known as “Phishing.” A typical phishing scam is sent to recipients via email and appears to be from legitimate companies or organizations such as CommunityAmerica, asking for an update to “account information” or requesting that the “account is unlocked” due to lack of use. The emails contain a link that directs the recipient to a false or spoofed web site where personal account information is requested (i.e. credit or debit card number, expiration date, PIN number, even your online banking username and password). Just as consumers have increased their fraud intelligence, criminals are hard at work developing new ways to take advantage of innocent individuals.

           

            “Vishing,” the latest scam being perpetrated, often involves a telephone call from a so-called “representative” of a legitimate company or organization asking the requesting personal and account information. There have also been reports of automated phone calls that notify the victim that their account or credit card has been defrauded and directs them to call back immediately. When the victim calls back they are directed to enter their 16-digit account number for verification and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

            The following tips will help you avoid both “phishing” and “vishing” scams:

 

·      Never release personal or account information to unsolicited emails or telephone calls.

·      If you should receive a call directing you to contact them immediately because of a fraud issue, use the customer service number located on the back of your credit card or contact CommunityAmerica directly at 913-905-7000 or 800-892-7957.

·      Report a telephone number that is suspected to be a “vishing” scam to your local or federal law enforcement agencies.