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Fraud Alert 

STAR USA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MEMBERS

It has come to our attention that customers of Star USA FCU have received emails, such as the example below, asking for credit card information. This activity is called “phishing.” Phishers hijack brand names of banks, e-retailers, and credit card companies to convince recipients to respond by providing financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames, passwords, and Social Security numbers.

Example of a Fraudulent Email:

Dear Star USA FCU Cardholder,

You have one new private message!

Click here to resolve problem.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your assistance in helping us maintain the integrity of the entire credit union. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Please do not reply to this mail. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered.

TIPS FOR SPOTTING FRAUDULENT EMAILS

  • Frequently these emails make some form of urgent appeal to provoke you to take action immediately. For example, stating that your account may be closed if you fail to confirm, verify, or authenticate information immediately.

  • There are embedded links that look legitimate because they contain all or part of a real company’s name. These links take you to fraudulent sites (or pop-up windows) that ask you to enter, confirm, or update sensitive personal information. Sometimes the emails instruct the recipient to enter the information into the body of the email.

  • There may be obvious spelling or grammatical errors.

  • The writing may be awkward or inappropriate.

  • The visual or design quality may be poor.

  • Fraudulent emails typically will not provide alternative methods for communicating the requested information (i.e., telephone, mail, and physical locations).

  • Fraudulent emails often provide a general greeting and don’t identify you by name.

  • Fraudulent emails may contain attachments asking you to install software so that fraudsters can use it to record your keystrokes and online activity.

Generally, credit unions do not:

  • Send urgent or time-sensitive emails that ask you to provide, update, or confirm sensitive data like your Online User ID or Password, Personal Identification Number (PIN), Social Security Number, ATM/Debit Card or account number, credit card number or expiration date, or mother’s maiden name.

  • Require you to enter anything other than your Online User ID and Password.

  • Send you an email that tells you to provide personal information because it’s for your own security.

  • Send you an email with input fields that ask you for sensitive information.

  • Send emails without providing alternative methods of communication.

  • Send email with attachments asking you to install software.

It is of the utmost importance that you protect your identity and personal information from those seeking to take advantage of these schemes. For more information, call any of the Star USA offices for assistance. If you have any questions regarding your account, contact your Star USA representative.

Sincerely,
Star USA FCU