Cape Regional Credit Union Cautioned About ID Theft E-mail Scam

The Cape Regional Credit Union (Girardeau, Missouri, US) has cautioned its members about an e-mail ID theft scam. The e-mail was reported to the Credit Union in the last week of December 2008, telling recipients that their bank card has been deactivated.

The fake e-mail claims that for member's safety, the PIN and card have been deactivated. Around 800 contact numbers are provided and recipients are directed to call to reactivate their card.

The fake e-mail also informs that the member's debit card may have been hacked and has been set on hold status. For activating the card, the e-mail asks the member to call on another phone number and enters the 16 digit card number and PIN.

Security experts revealed that by sending these mails, hackers are trying to acquire the social security numbers of members they imitate. And they use them to start new accounts, indulge in medical ID theft, use present accounts, take government benefits and employment.

Further, the police department said that nearly 38 cases of ID theft were reported in the city during 2008. In 2007 and 2006, 24 and 47 ID theft cases were reported respectively. And in 2008, around 8.4 Million Americans became victims of ID theft.

The Credit Union said that such kinds of scams have become very common. And none of the financial institution will ask for verification of private details. This is something that is common and is continuous in nature.

Thus, citizens should never reply to a mail that directs them to transfer personal details on the web. The Union informs that banks and credit card firms already have all the details. But if the user wishes to provide private details, the site must have an address that starts with "https://" and a lock in the corner of the window.

In addition, the latest report from Internet security company, Cisco, says that phishing attacks on credit union are common. Around 200 Billion spam are sent everyday to hack private details of members of credit card, banks and other firms.

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» SPAMfighter News - 1/16/2009