Phishing scams target email, phone and text messages

Phishing is a type of online scam. Phishing emails or pop-up messages try to persuade victims to share personal and financial information.

The "bait" is an an email that seems to be from a credit union, the IRS, eBay, PayPal, or other organizations.

In the email, you may be asked to click on a link to "confirm" your information.

If you get an email or other message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply or click on the link.

The link may be altered so that it appears to be authentic, and if you click on it, then the page also appears authentic. It is very easy to create a fraudulent webpage that looks like the real thing!

TwinStar Credit Union never asks for personal information by email, nor do other legitimate companies. You can always type the company's website address into your browser or call their number if you have questions.

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Not just for email.

We've heard that members are receiving calls from an automated phone system asking them to activate their cards. Others are receiving text messages saying that their accounts have been de-activated.

These calls request sensitive information such as your card number, PIN or Social Security number. They may appear to come from TwinStar or from some other credit union, such as OBee or Navy Federal.

We do not use any automated service that asks for this type of information over the phone or by email.

If you are ever uncertain whether a phone call comes from us, just hang up and call us at 1.800.258.3115.

If you have given out personal information, call us, then follow the steps for recovering from identity theft.