Phishing Alert from Air Force FCU
October 30, 2008

Telephone/Text Message Phishing Scam

Air Force FCU has informed members in the past of scams to gain cardholder information with the intent of committing fraudulent activity against member accounts. The credit union has been notified of multiple member credit unions that have recently reported a phishing scam they are experiencing. This fraudulent attempt to capture card numbers is done with an automated telephone service or a text message.

CO-OP Financial Services has notified credit unions in the past about email phishing scams and deceitful attempts to obtain cardholder information with the intent of committing fraudulent activity against member accounts. Multiple member credit unions have recently reported a phishing scam they are experiencing.

This fraudulent attempt to capture card numbers is done with an automated text message referring to themselves as CO-OP Services Credit Union Customer Services Department from a four digit phone number of 3693.

The text message indicates that the member’s credit or debit card has unusual activity on their account. In order to restore the member’s account access, the message asks the member to call 813.600.1551 and enter their 16-digit credit or debit card number along with three additional pieces of information that is linked to the member’s account.

CO-OP Financial Services would never refer to themselves as CO-OP Services Credit Union Customer Services Department, and would not send text messages to cardholders about their accounts. When our staff makes or receives calls from cardholders, we identify ourselves as the Card Member Security Department.

There are so many ways for perpetrators to attempt to get personal information, including the use of auto-dialers and text messages. It is important to limit the release of your personal information in order to protect yourself from fraud. Air Force Federal Credit Union will never ask you to provide account numbers, passwords, Social Security Numbers or other private or personal information about you through e-mail or text.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns.