Phishing - Email Fraud

(Email) Phishing - Phishing is a form of social engineering and a scam where attackers deceive people into revealing sensitive information or installing malware such as viruses on your device.

Phishing attacks most commonly involve creating fake links that appear to be from a legitimate organisation, but these links may use misspelled URL’s or subdomains to deceive users.

Phishing often uses social engineering (manipulation of people into taking actions that compromise their security or privacy), to trick users into performing actions such as clicking a link or opening an attachment. It often involves mimicking a trusted entity and creating a sense of urgency, such as threatening to close a victim’s bank account.

An alternative technique is the use of fake news articles/fake emails to trick victims into clicking on malicious link. These links often lead to fake websites that appear legitimate but are actually run by attackers who may try to install malware (such as viruses), present fake ‘virus’ notifications to the victim, or gather sensitive information.

Be suspicious of unsolicited emails

If you are suspicious, call the firm you are dealing with using the phone number from their official website/on the back of your card, and verify that they have sent the email. NEVER use a phone number provided in an email you receive, as it could be fake.

In order to protect yourself:

Never

• Reply to unsolicited emails
• Fill out forms provided
• Click links provided
• Follow any instructions
• Open attachments

Always

Verify with the official entity if they contacted you or if it was fake.

Ballyconnell Credit Union will never

• Send you an email with a link directly to the login page of our online channels.
• Ask you to click a link in an email with an urgent warning about suspicious activity on your account.
• Ask you to transfer money out of your account to protect yourself from fraud.
• Ask you to share your full online banking details with us.
• Email you with a direct link to your latest e-Statement.