Jackson, MS- Attorney General Jim Hood is warning credit union members of an apparent phishing scam.

Phishing is a computer-related scam that uses email, pop-up messages or cell phone text messages to deceive the consumer into revealing their credit card numbers, bank or credit union account numbers, social security numbers, passwords or other personal information. Many times these scammers will impersonate legitimate credit card companies, credit unions, banks, and other financial institutions in hopes consumers will fall for the scam and provide their personal information and account numbers.

Credit Union members have contacted the Attorney Generals Office about phone calls and text messages they are receiving regarding their accounts. The call or text tells members that their account has been frozen, and that they need to call an 800 number to have their account reinstated.

“One consumer that called our office actually contacted the 800 number and later found that her account had been wiped clean by the phishers,” said Attorney General Jim Hood. “It is important to remember that no reputable financial institution is going to send a text message or ask for your information.”

How Not to get Hooked by a Phishing Scam
Do not reply to an email, pop-up, telephone or text message that asks for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies dont ask for this information. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization using a telephone number you know to be genuine. Dont return the phone call to the number left in the message and never follow the Internet link to the site.
Dont email personal or financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information.
Review credit card and bank statements as soon as you receive them to determine whether there are any unauthorized charges.
Use anti-virus software and keep it up to date.
A firewall helps make you invisible on the Internet and blocks all communication from unauthorized sources.
Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
If you receive a telephone message that asks for your personal information, try to get the telephone number and then hang up. Call the Attorney Generals Office and give the telephone number you obtained.

Below is a warning that has been posted on the website of Statewide Federal Credit Union
WARNING!
Credit union members around the state have reported receiving text messages on their cell phone saying that “Statewide (or another credit union) Credit Union service has been frozen. Please call 877-573-1077 to restore service.” If you receive such a text, DO NOT CALL that number! This is a “phishing"attempt to steal your member information and to try to steal funds from your account. We will not attempt to contact you through text messaging, or ask for your member information over the phone, since we already have it.