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Internet Scams

December 28, 2009

‘Tis the season for Internet scams?


Actually, Internet scams are always in season, and you can never be too careful with your personal information. Whether an email or text message, or a pop-up within a trusted site, never, never, never disclose account numbers, passwords, PINs or security codes! Your sensitive information is private for a reason!


More often than not, these scams look legitimate. Online fraudsters are sophisticated enough to fool people into thinking they are communicating with their own financial institution or favorite online store. So what do you do?


Well, for starters, listen to that little voice in your head. If you think it might be fraud, it probably is. Just follow these simple steps to make your online experience as safe as possible.

  • Delete suspicious emails and contact your financial institution with questions regarding requested account information.
  • If you are required to input sensitive information on a trusted website, i.e., when making online purchases or registering for online account access, make sure the URL begins with “https://” and displays the padlock in the address bar.
  • If you are on a trusted site and a window pops up that asks you to input sensitive information, shut down your computer immediately. Even clicking close can open your computer up to harmful viruses and threats. If you are on Extra Credit Union’s website, we ask that you take a screen capture of the pop-up message and immediately email us at info@extracreditunion.org or call us at (586) 276-3000. We will then contact the proper authorities so the fraudulent site can be shut down.

So my point, dear reader, is this:


Treat online requests for personal information the same way you would treat a strange man requesting your social security number in the parking lot at Target. Even if this man offered you a free watch or computer conveniently located in the unmarked van across the lot in exchange for the information, you wouldn’t give it to him, would you?


I didn’t think so! You’re too smart for that!


So employ that healthy sense of self-preservation online as well. Your bank and your bank account will thank you!



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