Phishing is a high-tech scam that uses spam or pop-up messages to deceive you into disclosing your credit card numbers, account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), phishers send an email or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that you deal with – for example, your Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a government agency. The message usually says that you need to “update” or “validate” your account information. It might threaten some dire consequence if you don’t respond. The message directs you to a Web site that looks just like a legitimate organization’s site, but it isn’t. The purpose of the bogus site? To trick you into divulging your personal information so the operators can steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.

Robins Federal Credit Union will never ask for your credit union account number, password, ATM/Debit card pin number, or other personal identity information via email or pop-up message. Click here for more information on how to recognize phishing.