The internet can be a dangerous place, and as people become wiser to the different ways spammers and hackers can acquire their information, these same attackers find new ways to wreak havoc on innocent users.  Most people have heard of phishing, which are emails designed to convince you to divulge personal information by imitating big companies, like banks asking for account information or retail stores offering “too-good-to-be-true” offers. But have you heard about the newest craze in hi-tech spamming? It’s called smishing, or phishing through your SMS text messages.

Because text messages are the most common non-voice use of mobile phones, this new type of scam is making a big impact. According to HowStuffWorks.com, the two most common types of smishing attacks  
involve 1) being prompted by a seemingly trusted source (like your financial institution) and instructed to verify account information which is then stolen and 2) receiving a text from a seemingly reliable source that holds an attachment, which contains a virus or malware.

To protect yourself from these types of attacks, take these steps to avoid spam messages:

- Always verify the source! If a text seems to come from a valid business or institution, go directly to them and confirm that the message was legitimate.

- Do not click on attachments or download apps from unknown sources.

- Avoid messages that come from the number 5000; this is generally a number that is hiding the real sender’s identity.

- Contact your phone provider and alert them if you you’ve been receiving these types of messages.

Remember, we here at FCU take your private information seriously and will never contact you via a pop-up, phone, email or text to ask you for your private information. If you have any concerns or suspicions about a message from Florida Credit Union, please contact us immediately!  

Have you ever been a victim of smishing? Tell us about it in the comments below!

If you like this article, be sure to check out “5 Ways to Protect Yourself at an ATM.” 

While many people have come to prefer using their debit and credit cards for most purchases, there are still some environments when it is easier or even required to use cash: concerts, festivals, sporting events, etc. In instances like these, using an ATM is an ideal alternative to having to go to your local branch. However, using an ATM also requires that you be extremely careful; thieves have been known to employ all sorts of tactics at ATMs, from waiting in bushes nearby, to rigging illegal cameras to collect card and pin numbers. When you do need to use an ATM, be sure to take these five things into consideration and create the safest environment possible when doing your transaction.

When: Always try to go during the day when the sun is out and you can clearly see your surroundings. If this isn’t possible, be extremely cautious and only choose an ATM that is in a brightly lit location.

Where: Try to select an ATM that is in a highly populated and frequented area. When you go up to an ATM, notice if there are any tall bushes or easy hiding places for thieves. Some ATMs residing in larger building complexes, like those by grocery stores. In this case, try to find an ATM that is closer to the middle of the building so you can avoid people lingering around corners.

Who: If someone is getting too close to you during your transaction, or is offering to help you with a transaction, they could be trying to find out your PIN number and card information. Do yourself a favor and end the transaction as quickly as possible and choose a different ATM to finish your money withdrawal.

What: When you come up to an ATM, make sure to notice details about the kiosk. Does something look off about the ATM? Is the machine asking you questions you are unfamiliar with or seems to be behaving unusually? In situations like this, it is better to take your transaction elsewhere.

How: During your transaction, always keep aware of your surroundings. As soon as you leave, be sure to observe anything suspicious going on by the ATM. If you feel you’re being followed or pursued, quickly go to a high-traffic area and call the police.

There are alternatives to ATMs, too. If you need cash but can't make it to your local branch, you also have the option to get cash back from retail stores when you make a purchase. 

What other ways do you protect yourself when going to an ATM? Share your ideas in the comments below!