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Protect Yourself Against Phishing

What Is Phishing?

Phishing is defined as "the practice of luring Internet users to a fake website by using authentic-looking email in an attempt to steal passwords, personal information, or introduce a virus attack."

Further, it generally utilizes a website made to look similar, if not identical, to that of a legitimate financial institution or other service providers, such as a Visa credit card provider or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

There are numerous methods employed to compel an Internet user to divulge personal information. Some such techniques include but are not limited to the following:

  • Avoid account closure/service interruption
  • Suspicion of fraud/phishing
  • Requests for charitable donations
  • Get rich quick schemes

Why It Is Important To Protect Yourself

Identity Theft is the fastest growing act of fraud in the United States. With the right information an identity thief can open financial accounts and credit lines in your name. Cash can be withdrawn or checks can be written against your existing accounts. Apartments can be rented and utility services can be established.

However, phishing scams are not limited to identity theft. For example, Visa has reported a rise in fraudulent PIN-based transactions believed to be the result of online phishing scams. The cardholder responds to a phishing email and in the response the cardholder provides personal information, such as account and PIN numbers. The criminal encodes the account number and PIN on either a counterfeit card or "white plastic" - any plastic card with a magnetic stripe. These cards are then used for withdrawals at ATM's around the world. Additional information about phishing can be found at www.visa.com/phishing.

Western's Email Policy

  • From time to time Western may contact you by email, however we do not send emails requesting members to update their account information.
  • Western does not request personal information via email unless the communication was first initiated by a member request.
  • Western highly recommends that the provision of any personal information be made via our secure online form (https://www.western.org/applications/email.htm) or by contacting our Call Center directly at 310-381-2300, option 4.

Tips To Avoid A Phishing Scam

  1. Be suspicious of any emails requesting personal information.
  2. Do not reply to suspicious emails and do not click on a link within suspicious email messages.
  3. Contact the business/organization that is claimed to have sent the email directly. Use a published phone number or manually type the website address into your web browser.
  4. Never send personal information (e.g. credit or debit card number, Social Security number, or PIN) in response to an email request from anyone or any entity.
  5. Report any suspicious emails to the business/organization claimed to have sent the email.

What To Do If You Suspect You Have Been A Victim Of A Phishing Scam

  1. If you suspect that you may have given personal information in a phishing scam, you should assume that you have in fact done so.
  2. Contact the business/organization relevant to the information provided (e.g. contact Western if you provided information regarding your Western Visa card).
  3. Take steps to closely monitor or close any account in question.
  4. Monitor your credit accounts for signs of Identity Theft such as fraudulent transactions or unauthorized new accounts.

Western members suspecting they are victims of a phishing scam should contact our Call Center at 310-381-2300, option 4.

Additional Resources

Text Message Scam - June 25, 2008
Western has received notice about a new scam called Smishing. In this scam, text messages sent to cell phones urge the recipient to call a number provided to find out more information about an account discrepancy at their financial institution. The message also solicits account information and PINs. Western will never ask for account information by text message, and, if such a text message should be received, you should not respond and the message should be immediately deleted and removed. If you feel you have been a victim of Smishing, please email phishing@western.org.

New Phone Scam - January 8, 2008
Western members have reported receiving calls from persons claiming to be working for the Social Security Administration requesting account information so a deposit could be made. The Social Security Administration will not request account information by phone. If you have been a victim of this scam, contact our Call Center at 877-254-9328 immediately.

Phishing Alert - December 11, 2006
We have received notice that a phishing email which appears to be from the CU Service Centers Network is in circulation. The email entices the recipient to enter account information by promoting a $25 credit for participating in an online survey. If you receive such an email, do not click on the survey link, and delete the email immediately.

Phishing Alert - August 30, 2006
Western has identified at least three emails containing a fraudulent link to western.org. The email requests you click on a link to confirm your account. From time to time Western may contact you by email, however we do not send emails requesting members to update or confirm their account information.

Phishing Alert - March 30, 2006
A nationwide credit union spoofing scam was recently identified. Please be advised that the website, westerncreditunion.com is not affiliated with Western Federal Credit Union.

Phishing Alert - December 14, 2005
Western has identified at least one fraudulent email bearing the Western name and logo.
Read more information on this Western-specific Phishing attack.
Report Suspicious Email
  • Never respond to emails requesting personal or account information
  • Forward any suspicious email bearing the Western name, logo, or inferring any association with Western to Phishing@western.org
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