RESOURCES
May 7, 2013 Dedicated Denial of Service Attack Warning
Phishing Scam
Voice phishing, or “vishing,”
Latest Cyber Scams, Fraud Activity and Importnant Contact Information
Preventing ID Theft and Fraud Offline and Online
Technology Solutions and Industry Partnerships
Identity Theft 911
RECENT UPDATES
May 2013 – Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union has been advised that there is a possibility of widespread Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks to financial institutions, including credit unions, on or around May 7. If such an attack were to occur, this could mean that our lapfcu.org website and/or online banking services including mobile banking could be temporarily unavailable or load very slowly.
DDoS attacks are attempts to disrupt or suspend online service by saturating a target’s network with external communication requests to overload its server. This does not represent a threat to our members’ information or accounts. Member information is not affected.
To avoid potential delays, members may wish to consider executing all critical online banking business on a day other than May 7, or to visit one of our branches, ATMs or shared branches instead on that date. Of course, you can always call 877-MY-LAPFCU (877-695-2732) which is available 24/7, and we have CODE 3 automated telephonic banking which is also available 24/7.
If there is a disruption to LAPFCU online service, we will notify members immediately via email and by notices on ATMs and in branches (if you need to update or provide us with your email address, please call 877-MY-LAPFCU). Service will resume as quickly as possible. As a reminder, LAPFCU will never request or solicit your personal or account information via email.
For the latest consumer information on identity theft, fraud and other cybercrimes, please visit the websites of the Internet Crime Complaint Center or Federal Trade Commission. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call 877-MY-LAPFCU (877-695-2732) which is available 24/7 and we’ll be glad to help.
February 2013 – Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union members are urged to take precautions at ATMs and gas pumps because of a wave of identity-theft incidents sweeping the nation. In the last few years, skimmers—criminals who use fake card-swipe machines, pinhole cameras or other sophisticated devices to steal account information when you swipe your card—have stolen millions from unsuspecting card-users.
You can take steps to prevent identity theft by following these safety tips:
| • | Avoid ATMs where individuals appear to be “hanging out” to see who uses the machines |
| • | Stay alert for signs of tampering or “loose” card-reader components on ATM machines and gas pumps |
| • | Regularly check your bank and credit card statements online for any unusual activity |
If you believe an LAPFCU QuickDraw ATM has been tampered with, or if you notice suspicious activity on your account, please contact the Credit Union directly at 877-MY-LAPFCU (877) 695-2732.
Recovering from identity theft can be a time-consuming challenge. Don’t let yourself be a victim.
For the latest consumer information on identity theft, fraud and other cybercrimes, please visit the websites of the Internet Crime Complaint Center or Federal Trade Commission.
November 28, 2012 – LAPFCU has learned about an ongoing email phishing scam targeting the LAPD and possibly Credit Union members.
Fraudulent emails are being received that appear to be from NACHA, the industry trade association responsible for the ACH deposit and payment network used by banks and credit unions.
According to NACHA officials, the fraudulent emails vary in content and appear to be transmitted from email addresses associated with the NACHA domain (@nacha.org). Some even bear the name of fictitious NACHA employees and/or departments, and may include attachments and/or links to web pages that host malicious code and/or software.
LAPFCU is advising members not to open these attachments or click on the web links. Consult with a computer security or anti-virus specialist to check for and remove any malicious code and re-install your software if necessary.
If you receive a suspicious text message, email or phone call requesting personal or account information, please contact the Credit Union directly at 877-MY-LAPFCU (877) 695-2732).
For the latest consumer information on identity theft, fraud and other cybercrimes, please visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
November 27, 2012 – Several LAPFCU Members recently contacted LAPFCU after receiving what were determined to be fraudulent text messages similar to the following:
-----Original Message-----
From: XXX@messaging.sprintpcs.com [mailto:XXX@messaging.sprintpcs.com]
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2012 12:37 PM
To: XX
Subject:
Fwd: FRM:19198455525@office.com
MSG: Your Credit Union debit card has been flagged. Call 1.919.845.5525 to remove this issue.
We wish to re-emphasize that LAPFCU will never solicit any member for private or confidential financial information. Please exercise caution when responding to any unsolicited request for personal information, no matter how official or authentic it may appear or sound.
If you receive a suspicious text message, email or phone call requesting LAPFCU account information or other private information, please contact the Credit Union directly at 877-MY-LAPFCU (877) 695-2732).
For the latest consumer information on identity theft, fraud and other cybercrimes, please visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
November 9, 2012 — A recent attempt by cybercriminals to obtain personal or confidential financial information was reported by one or more LAPFCU members. An official-sounding email was received by the members, stating their ACH (automated clearinghouse) transaction was rejected, and requesting that the members click on an included web link.
Cybercriminals continue to refine tactics for obtaining private information while evading detection by IT security departments and law enforcement authorities. Spear phishing emails use terms like “notification” and “alert” to create a sense of urgency or alarm. Often, finance-related words or names of financial institutions like LAPFCU, Bank of America and others are included, as are forms, attachments and other requests for personal or confidential information.
Additionally, social media sites are often used to obtain information that gives phishing emails the appearance of authenticity. Clicking on or otherwise responding to the email may allow the cybercriminal to gain access to your account information.
LAPFCU will never solicit any member for private or confidential financial information via e-mail, text message or telephone. Please exercise caution when responding to any unsolicited request for personal information.
If you have received an email or phone call supposedly from LAPFCU requesting private information, please contact the Credit Union directly at 877-MY-LAPFCU (877) 695-2732).
For the latest consumer information on phishing, identity theft and other cybercrimes, please visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
