01.08.10 
A virus called “ZeusBot” is spreading quickly amongst PCs. This virus was made to steal your personal and financial information by infecting your PC, and activating when you log into online banking sites of targeted financial institutions. If the computer you are using is infected with the ZeusBot virus, the following could happen:
- After you log onto the online banking website, instead of going to the normal page you are warned that your PC is not recognized and you are taken to a second screen that requires you to “verify your identity” by typing in your credit card information.
- The pages are often branded to have the same look and feel as the legitimate site.
- Any information entered is transmitted to the scammer via the Internet.
To someone not familiar with how online banking works, the appearance is that the financial institution’s web server has been compromised when in reality all of this originates from the user’s PC which is infected with a rootkit called the ZeusBot. According to the information currently available only about 1 in 3 anti-malware packages will detect the infection.
It is particularly bad because it actually has the capability of superimposing its own fields over the legitimate fields in a webpage, or could even add extra fields to collect more information, all of which is sent to the scammers. They could actually allow the victim to log in to the legitimate site and insert their own data collection fields on the legitimate pages, which the member would think are originating from the financial institution.
How to protect yourself:
While Florida Telco has not been indicated as a target of ZeusBot, it is growing rapidly. It is important to install and use the latest and most up to day virus protection on your personal computers. Be familiar with how your financial institution’s online banking looks and works, and if anything seems out of the ordinary – such as getting the message that your PC is not recognized, do NOT enter your any personal information, exit immediately and contact your financial institution by their listed phone number.
12.14.09
Both emails and texts are being sent to card-holders of many different financial institutions claiming that their debit card has been blocked due to suspicion of fraudulent activity. These emails and text messages are completely false and should be deleted. Do NOT respond to them or click on any links they provide to you.
Reminder: Never respond to any unsolicited emails or text messages that ask you for your personal information such as account numbers, Social Security and/or Personal Identification Numbers. Always double check links in any email – it’s best to cut and paste them, or go to the site you know is legitimate to verify information.
Holiday Fraud Prevention Tips for Credit Union Members
- Ensure that receipts reflect the correct transaction amount
- When performing a PIN transactions, ensure others are not capturing your PIN number
- When using a debit card, you may select “credit,” which requires a signature and extends the $0 member liability under the Visa / MasterCard association rules
- Review all accounts (checking, savings, credit card) activity daily
- When paper checks are converted at a merchant to an ACH, store voided checks safely to prevent counterfeit checks or unauthorized ACH transactions
- Be suspicious of emails from unknown parties; don’t open the email or click any links within them Instead of clicking links, always access your credit union’s authorized website by typing the website into the address bar of web browser to avoid “spoofed” websites attempting to steal your information
- Shop online with trustworthy merchants who require security information such as address verification and the CVV2/CVC2 number on the back of your card
- When shopping in person or using an ATM, be aware of your surroundings and report any unusual activities to your credit union
- Never leave your purse, wallet, or cards unattended Use debit or credit cards, don’t flash cash
- And finally, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is, so be cautious
05.20.09
We have been notified that an attorney is sending out letters that indicate our members are 90 days behind on their mortgages. These letters are not from Florida Telco, and are not accurate. This is just a nasty attempt to get business for the attorney. At the bottom of the letter it says "Advertisement Only." Please contact us if you receive any suspicious calls, texts, or letters regarding your account at Florida Telco. Mortgages are public record which is how the attorney knows where an individual's mortgage is held.
04.07.09
Several members have called to let us know they've been receiving text messages claiming to be from Florida Telco. The message requests account information such as credit card or debit card number, PIN, etc. These messages are scams and are not from us. Always check with us if you get a suspicious text message, email or phone call.
02.11.09
Another scam being used promises more information on how to get “economic stimulus grants.”They tempt users with fake testimonials such as, “I found the grant I needed and filled out the forms and sent them in, and in about two weeks I received a check in my hand for $100,000.” It leads to a marketing-type site in which you enter personal information such as salary range, e-mail address, mailing address, and date of birth purportedly to get a free CD that shows you how to claim one of these grants. To order the CD, you must enter credit card information for the postage and handling costs. You never get the CD—only a stolen identity.
Unfortunately, the threat of fraud due to phishing attempts continues to be very active. Fraudsters are increasing in sophistication, and this type of activity shows no sign of slowing down.
Always keep in mind:
- Florida Telco Credit Union will NEVER solicit personal or financial information.
- NEVER to respond to requests for information unless you initiated the request. This includes requests via e-mail, phone, text messaging or through the mail.
01.20.09
A fraudulent e-mail seeking credit card information (known as a “phishing fraud”) has been circulating nationwide. This fraudulent phishing email appears to be from NCUA and contains a link purportedly to obtain a subscription for the NCUA Express Subscription service. When that link is used, the recipient is directed to a “clone” of the NCUA Express Service site that seeks credit card information from those to whom the phish was sent.
If you receive such an email, please ignore it, as it is fraudulent. The NCUA does NOT charge for the Express Subscription service and does NOT solicit credit card information over the Internet. If you have questions or comments, please contact the NCUA Fraud Hotline at 800-827-9650 or, during off duty hours, at 703-728-0700.
