Three Steps: Stop, Look and Call... To Avoid Being Hooked by Phishing
According to the Department of Justice, you should follow these steps if you receive an unsolicited email:
STOP!
Think before you act. Resist the impulse to click on the website link and start typing in the requested information. If the email is sent from a business or financial institution which you don't deal with, then avoid (and delete) the message.
LOOK!
Examine the claims made in the email with a critical eye. Do they make sense? Is the sender asking for information that should already be known to the business, financial institution or government agency? Is there a prize or special deal offered, and why would the sender need your personal information to send you your prize?
CALL!
Locate the genuine phone number of the business that supposedly has emailed you and call them to ask if the email is valid. The VSECU will not send you an unsolicited email asking for personal information. If you receive an email from the VSECU that appears suspicious, do not respond to it. Instead, call the Credit Union at 802/800 371-5162 during regular business hours.
© 2008, Vermont State Employees Credit Union. All Rights Reserved.
