Phishing is when you get emails, texts, or calls that seem to be from companies or people you know. But they're actually from scammers. They want you to click on a link or give personal information (like a password) so that they can steal your money or identity, and maybe get access to your computer.
THE BAIT
Scammers use familiar company names or pretend to be somone you know.
As a business person, you know about phishing, of course. At first glance, the email looks like it comes from a recognized company, complete with a familiar logo, slogan, and URL. But it’s really from a cyber crook trying to con consumers out of account numbers, passwords, or cash. In addition to the serious injury these scams inflict on consumers, there’s another victim of phishing: the reputable business whose good name was stolen by the scammer.
The bad guys have come up with a scam to steal your Social Security Number (SSN). These fraudulent vishing, or “voice phishing” attempts often appear to come from the actual Social Security Administration (SSA) number–but the scammers are faking it.
When you answer the phone, the bad guys claim that your SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity or involvement in criminal activity. They’ll also claim your bank account will be seized, to shock you into action. The scammers will then ask you to confirm your SSN in order to reactivate it–don’t fall for this trick!
We have enhanced our eBanking service effective 1/9/2019. Users can now access 18 months of eStatements through eBanking and may choose to have statements sent monthly via email.
Current eBanking customers, we will initiate your enrollment to our enhanced eBanking 1/9/2019. Please watch your email that is linked to your eBanking account for an email that will be sent to you from Security Federal Savings Bank. The email will be come from info@secfedbank.com. Emails will be sent on or after 1/9/2019.
For all employees, if you receive a phone call from the IRS claiming you owe back taxes and must pay, don’t fall for it. This is a common scam that they try every year.
Extortion scams are back and they are getting more and more dangerous. This time, the bad guys are sending out emails, claiming they have a video of you watching an inappropriate website and then prompting you to download that video and see it for yourself.
But if you do, your computer gets infected with ransomware!
Here are some things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of extortion:
The bad guys are taking advantage of mobile shoppers this holiday season! By using mobile apps, they can trick you into giving your personal information or installing malware onto your smartphone. This can give them access to your credit card information or lock your smartphone with ransomware, forcing you to pay a fee to unlock it. To stay safe this year, never download apps from offers that sound too good to be true, never download from unofficial app stores, and do your research.
Effective 1/1/2019, all checking and savings statements will be generated at month end.
Thank you!
Posted 11/30/2018
Visit any website these days and it’s very likely that you will be viewing ads as well. Sometimes these ads can be tempting, with many offering sales, promotions, or freebies to attract more clicks. Ads on certain websites can even be targeted specifically to you based on past browsing history, making you even more likely to click!
Remember this: just because you are on a reputable, well-known website, it does not mean that the ads on the website are safe to click as well.
The internet offers convenience not available from other shopping outlets. From the comfort of your home, you can search for items from multiple vendors, compare prices with a few mouse clicks, and make purchases without waiting in line. However, the internet is also convenient for attackers, giving them multiple ways to access the personal and financial information of unsuspecting shoppers.
