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Online fraud is not limited to email. The Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers about pop-up windows, phony websites and fraudulent emails that attempt to trick people into providing confidential personal information.
About Online Fraud
Online schemes take the form of a pop-up window or email link directing consumers to a fraudulent website that looks legitimate. Such websites ask for personal and sensitive financial information that is then used to commit fraud.
- Pop-up Advertisements: Pop-up ads generally appear in small browser windows that "pop up" over or under the window you are currently viewing. Although most "pop ups" are simply advertisements, some may also contain "Trojan horse" programs similar to a computer virus.
- Phony Websites: Fraudulent websites often look identical to those of a legitimate bank or trusted company. They use an organization's website graphics and logos, but are actually set up in an attempt to steal your personal information. A common technique to lure customers to a fraudulent website is through "spam" email.
Prevent Online Fraud
Below are some tips to protect your LFCU accounts and personal information from fraudulent pop-up ads and websites.
Avoid Pop-up Advertisements:
- Purchase and install pop-up blocking software on your computer. Use an Internet search engine, such as Google or Yahoo!, to search for the terms "ad-aware¨ or "spyware."
- Avoid downloading files from unknown sources. Files obtained from file-sharing sites are frequently infected with computer viruses and Trojan horse programs.
- Be suspicious of any software program offered for free over the Internet. Research the software thoroughly before downloading it to your computer.
- Keep your computer operating system and web browser up-to-date with the latest security software.
- Keep your web browser security settings on medium at the very least. By keeping your security settings at this level, you can minimize the chance for websites to download software onto your computer without your permission. See your web browser help files for additional information.
Avoid Phony Websites:
- Avoid clicking on links provided in a suspicious looking email.
- Save or "bookmark" frequently visited and trusted websites to your list of favorites, then access those sites through your saved links.
- Inspect a URL carefully for the presence of an "@" symbol, for example billing@lockheedfcu.com. This is a common sign of fraudulent websites. Even if the URL contains the phrase "lockheedfcu," it does not ensure that LFCU controls the website.
- Be very suspicious of websites that display an IP Address, or numerical address (e.g. 192.134.2.1), in your web browser's address bar instead of a domain name (e.g. lockheedfcu.org).
- Safely access your accounts online by opening up a new web browser each time. Choose a unique password and change it every 30-60 days. When you are finished, be sure to log out of your account and close the browser window.
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