Every year, thousands of people are the victims of identity theft and fraud. You could be targeted in a number of different ways, including over the telephone, through the Internet, and even by criminals digging through your trash. Innocex Credit is committed to protecting you and your information, as well as providing you with information to help you protect yourself.
Innocex Credit will NEVER ask our customers for account number/ Debit or ATM Card number or other sensitive personal information by email, telephone or any electronic method. The bank DOES NOT use an automated recorded service to ask for information of any kind. If you receive a call or text asking for any system generated code or your debit card PIN and you DID NOT complete an online transaction, use your debit card in the past 15 minutes or call the bank directly, then DO NOT PROVIDE any information and contact Innocex Credit's Customer Service Center at +1 and report the suspicious activity. As your financial institution we should have this information and do not need to obtain it unsolicited. Likewise, you should never send personal information such as account or social security numbers in emails you send if you do not know the recipient. As a customer, your personal information is secure with us and we want to help you keep your personal information secure from anyone else attempting to use fraudulent methods to obtain it.
If you receive a message or a call that looks like it came from Innocex Credit and requests personal information, do not respond to the message. If it is an email please forward the email to helpdesk@innocexcredit.com along with your name and phone number, and keep the email since we may have questions about it.
Fraud & ID Theft Scams
Phishing Threats
Phishing” is the act of sending an e-mail, voicemail or a Text message to as many people as possible requesting that they give personal information (SSN, account numbers, bank numbers, etc.). The message is designed to look like it has come from or is supported by a bank or credit union. At some point, the message may even look like it was sent out by Innocex Credit.
Beware of Phone Scams
Individuals fraudulently claiming to represent local financial institutions will sometimes call people and ask for confidential information about their accounts. Please be assured that Innocex Credit will not contact you and ask you to provide us with personal, financial information over the phone, unless you personally initiate the conversation. We urge you to please carefully guard and protect your personal financial data.
Beware of Fraud E-mail and Text Messages
Many Phishing attempts are also involved in electronic communication. Many people have received an e-mail, voicemail or even a Text message to their cell phone requesting that they call, text “the Bank” with personal information (SSN, account numbers, bank numbers, etc.). The message is designed to look like it was sent from the Credit Union (or Their Financial Institution) At some point, the message may even say they are sent out by Innocex Credit.
Innocex Credit does not send E-mails, Voicemails or Text messages requesting personal information under any circumstances. If you receive a message that looks like it came from us and requests personal information, do not respond to the e-mail. Please forward the e-mail to helpdesk@innocexcredit.com along with your name and phone number, and keep the e-mail since we may have questions about it. As a Member, your personal information is secure with us and we want to help you keep your personal information secure from anyone else attempting to use fraudulent methods to obtain it.
Beware Online(Internet) Phishing Threats
We have discovered “phishing” activity in which users are presented a web page that requests certain personal data such as account number, social security number, ATM card, PIN and credit card information. This web page may be titled “Security Confirmation” and appears to come from within the online banking and bill pay service, but it is actually a fraudulent page caused by malicious code that has infected your personal computers.
•If you see this web page, DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR INFORMATION and DO NOT SUBMIT THE FORM.
•Most anti-virus software providers have recently issued updated software which eliminates the malicious code. It is important that you update and run anti-virus protection software immediately to protect yourself.
As a reminder, we want to protect your identity and will NEVER ask you for your personal information online. If you ever receive a call, e-mail or unusual web page where this information is requested, DO NOT give this information out. As your credit union, it is our responsibility to protect your financial assets and safeguard the confidentiality of your personal information.
We have been advised that there are some fraudulent websites on the internet that appear similar in format to that of a financial institution.
These phony websites may ask or E-mail you for confidential information such as social security number, date of birth, credit, ATM or debit card number and related personal identification number (PIN). The intent of these websites is to obtain information illegally to access customers' accounts and personal identities.
How Not to Get Hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam.
Internet scammers casting about for people's financial information have a new way to lure unsuspecting victims: They go “phishing.”
Phishing is a high-tech scam that uses spam or pop-up messages to deceive you into disclosing your credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), phishers send an email or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that you deal with, for example, your Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a government agency. The message usually says that you need to “update” or “validate” your account information. It might threaten some dire consequence if you don't respond. The message directs you to a Web site that looks just like a legitimate organization's site, but it isn't. The purpose of the bogus site? To trick you into divulging your personal information so the operators can steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.
The FTC, the nation's consumer protection agency, suggests these tips to help you avoid getting hooked by a phishing scam:
ID Theft Resources
What is ID Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.
Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.
For more detailed information about ID Theft visit the FTC website.
Protecting yourself from ID Theft
The following website is an excellent resource that can aid you to take the steps necessary to help protect against identity theft.
Victim of Identity Theft
If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.
ATM Security
Tips for Your Protection
Take proactive steps to keep your financial information secure, select from any of the following categories to review our security tips when using your Innocex Credit Visa Debit Card:
Reduce your risk at ATMs
ATM transactions are quick and easy, but you shouldn’t put your common sense aside as you go about your ATM business or make a purchase in a retail store. Using your Visa Debit Card is a convenient and safe way to get cash. Make sure you do it the smart way:
Be aware of your surroundings and listen to your gut. If the ATM is poorly lit or in a concealed location, or if you’re just not feeling comfortable, use another machine. Avoid counting cash or rummaging through personal items while standing at the ATM location.
Guard your PIN. Memorize it and never write it down. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN, and if you notice suspicious activity, cancel your transaction. You should also take your receipt with you, as it may contain personal information that could be helpful to identity thieves.
When using a drive-through ATM, lock car doors and roll up other windows. If you walk up to the ATM, don’t leave your car running or unlocked. And never leave Debit or ATM Card in your car’s glove compartment.
When using an indoor ATM that requires your card for access, avoid letting unknown people in with you.
Report lost or stolen cards immediately, and sign your new or replacement card as soon as you receive it.
Find out more about common types of fraud on our Learn the Facts page. If you’ve been the victim of fraud or identity theft, get in touch with Call For Action for assistance.
What to watch for at Retail Stores
No matter how many times you’ve visited the same mall, you should still be careful when shopping at retail locations, so keep these tips in mind the next time you’re at the point of purchase.
Do business with companies whose reputation and integrity are already familiar to you. If you feel pressured into acting before you’re ready to buy, trust your common sense and take your time.
Find out the store’s return and exchange policy before you hand over your Innocex Credit Visa Debit Card. If you have questions that the sales staff can’t answer, consider holding off until you have all the information you need to make an informed purchase.
Review receipts before you sign them, save customer copies, and check these against your account statements. Notify Innocex Credit immediately of any errors or suspicious charges.
If you discover that you’ve bought damaged merchandise, contact the company immediately.
Shopping Online
Everyone knows the Internet is an amazing resource, but do you know the secrets to protecting your personal information during your web surfing? Stay in charge with these tips for keeping your card, account, and identity secure.
Take proactive steps to keep yourself out of harm’s way while you take advantage of the Internet’s convenience and entertainment.
Make sure your computer has a firewall installed and keep your browser software and anti-virus program updated.
When you’re done using a public computer, log off and shut down the browser program completely. This will prevent the next user from being able to hit the back button and discover your personal information.
When shopping online, stick to merchants that have a trustworthy reputation. Read their privacy policy (if you can’t find it, that may be a red flag) and find out what security features are in place.
Never respond to suspicious emails or click on links inside questionable messages. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Get more information about email safety and learn how to spot fraudulent messages and websites.
Seek out safety symbols, including the padlock icon in your browser’s status bar and “s” after “http” in the URL, or the words “Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).” These are your assurance that only you and the merchant can view your payment data.
Craft strong passwords with more than six characters and try to mix numbers and letters. Use a new password for each site—and keep it to yourself. Never use one-click shopping on a public computer.
Not sure whether an online merchant is trustworthy? Be sure to check it out prior to entering any personal or financial information.
Activate Verified by Visa to add an extra layer of protection during online checkout.
Watch for Spyware
Business Banking Security/Best Practices
Protecting your business’s financial assets is a top priority at Innocex Credit, but we can’t do it alone. Just as you protect your business’s physical location from intruders by activating a burglar alarm at closing time, your business’s computers must be protected from cyber thieves attempting to exploit weaknesses in your computer network.
Please be aware that FDIC Insurance or Regulation E (the Electronic Funds Transfer Act) does not cover fraud losses for business customers. Innocex Credit recommends that all business owners discuss online fraud protection with their insurance carriers to ensure they are adequately protected in the event of a loss.
The tips below provide information and security measures you can take to help protect your accounts from scams and other harmful attacks.
Harden your computer against cyber-attacks.
Computers that are not appropriately protected can become an open gateway for cyber criminals to access your online account or perform malicious activity. Unfortunately, antivirus products alone are not enough to protect you from malware that can give cyber criminals control of your computers. Below are basic tips to protect the computers at your business.
Use a dedicated computer: If possible, dedicate a computer to be used ONLY for online banking purposes to mitigate against the risk of computer and user credentials being compromised. Your business’ computer information technology system should not be used for email, social media, or web browsing.
Password Protection: A unique password or token PIN is the first step of securing your online information. Select a password/PIN that is easy for you to remember but do not select birthdays, sequential numbers or street addresses. Do not share your password/PIN with anyone. Remember, Innocex Credit employees will never ask for your password.
Keep your operating systems, antivirus and other software up to date. Scan your computers for viruses regularly.
Fraud Awareness: Fraudsters use official-looking e-mails (Phishing) and websites to lure you into revealing confidential financial information. The phishing messages appear to be from trusted banks, retailers or other companies. Be suspicious of any e-mail with urgent requests to “verify account information.” When in doubt, call the sender directly and validate the message. If you receive a suspicious email, do not click on any links or attachments, since they could contain malware. Just delete the email.
Transaction Review: Check your account balances and transaction activity daily and promptly report any suspicious activity to your account manager or call877-997-9957 and speak to a Innocex Credit Customer Service Representative.
Make your computer less vulnerable to cyber thieves.
Your business online account has built-in security options you can use to protect and monitor your online activity. Don’t wait until your business is a victim of cyber fraud before you protect yourself.
Enroll and Check your Email Alerts: Reviewing email alerts immediately can protect against fraudulent activity on your account.
Review Account Activity: Review your online accounts for any transactions you did not initiate. Early detection may prevent large losses.
Requiring two individuals to execute transactions (dual control) can prevent fraudulent activity even if one employee’s computer is compromised.
Change your Password: Changing your password periodically reduces the chance of it being compromised.
Only use Company Computers: When accessing online business accounts, only use designated company computers that use the company network. Non-business computers and networks are more likely to be infected with malware.
How to identify common attacks by cyber criminals.
No one wants to become a victim of cyber fraud, but if it does happen, responding to it quickly is of the utmost importance. Below are ways to help your employees identify when they may be the victim of cyber fraud, or when you should consider contacting Innocex Credit for assistance. Be sure that all employees that participate in online banking are aware of these tips.
Contact customer support if you experience any of the following scenarios:
If you receive an email alert regarding a wire, ACH, or bill pay transaction you did not initiate
If you receive an email alert regarding a change of password or email address you did not create
If the login screen looks different or has unusual fields or prompts
If you see unknown transactions or balance inconsistencies on your account
If you receive a message saying online banking is unavailable due to maintenance or another reason after you just logged in
If you log on to Innocex Credit online banking and are immediately logged off, your account is locked for no apparent reason, or your computer freezes
Learn about your liability in the event of a cyber-attack.
Innocex Credit provides online business banking to its business customers to add convenience for conducting financial transactions, but we cannot assume liability for fraud on business accounts as a result of malware and system vulnerabilities on our customers’ Information Technology systems. Our business customers must ensure that adequate security controls are in place on their Information Technology systems before accessing online banking to minimize risk.
Business customers are contractually obligated to maintain the security of their computers and must monitor their accounts proactively and frequently. This means that you will be responsible for any fraudulent financial activity on your account if your business’s computers or accounts are compromised. Business customers who use their Information Technology systems to house proprietary, financial, or personnel information should employ an Information Security Professional periodically to conduct a thorough review of their systems and security controls.