Financial Phishing Scams are Increasing Rapidly
The phishing pond has been rapidly growing into a phishing ocean in 2022, with seas of online information being captured thanks to scammers. At Camino we want our members to be aware of the ways financial phishing scams can affect you.
The most commonly known phishing scams involve authentic-looking emails and texts. Remember: Never click on an email, text message, or pop-up message that requests your personal, private, or financial information or that asks you to confirm your private information.
Legitimate businesses and financial institutions won’t ask for that information. When in doubt, make sure to find the legitimate contact information and check directly with the institution.
Understand the Signs
- Scammers identify themselves as someone you work with.
Usually asking for a favor that involves a financial transaction, scammers often pose as a person’s boss or co-worker when setting the trap.
- Scammers pressure you to act quickly.
Before you have time to think, scammers pressure you to act. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up so you don’t have time to look into them.
- Understand how scammers ask you to pay.
If someone insists you pay with a gift card or by using a money transfer service, you can assume it is a phishing tactic.
We recommend ensuring high-security measures are in place and that your software is up to date to help avoid scams.
Be Aware of Tax Season Financial Phishing
Tax season can be one of the most high-volume times for financial phishing scams. The IRS issued a warning in February about the most common fraud tactics to look out for this tax season, including phishing scams in the form of text messages, emails, and phone scams.
CNBC offered some tips to avoid falling victim to a phishing scam or other potential scams this tax season. “With filing season underway, this is a prime period for identity thieves to hit people with realistic-looking emails and texts about their tax returns and refunds,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in the memo.
Camino is Here to Help
At Camino, the safety of your financial information is our top priority. For this reason, we list 24/7 support lines on our website to call if your credit or debit card has been lost, stolen, or is being fraudulently accessed so as to minimize any further damage.
We invite you to review our member benefits before joining us as a member. Contact us at (800) 835-3400 to speak with one of our Member Advisors, or visit us online at caminofcu.org for more information on our offerings.