Holiday Security Tips

As we approach the holiday season, New Year, and tax season, we must remain aware of some security risks that could affect any one of us. A few risks to consider are:

Holiday Season Internet Attacks

• This time of year, it is common for us to ship boxes via USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Some fraudulent email attacks have been developed which attempt to lure you to a malicious package tracking website. Be sure you are visiting legitimate websites by verifying the address and not clicking links which arrive in email.
• Electronic greeting cards are very popular this time of year. But beware unsolicited email from someone you don't know - in the past we have seen holiday emails which are actually malicious and can infect your computer.
• While you are shopping online, be sure to use reputable sites such as Amazon.com. Verify that you are connecting to the correct web URL address by typing it into the web browser. Be sure you don’t land on a fake site designed to collect your credit card number and personal information. Beware links arriving in unsolicited emails.
• Continue to be cautious when you receive unsolicited phone calls, emails, cell phone text messages, or links to fraudulent web sites. Attackers often try to initiate fraud by contacting you and claiming to be from your financial institution. These attackers may impersonate CallerID information and email addresses to trick you into believing the communication is legitimate. If in doubt, do not respond to unsolicited requests for information. Instead, contact your financial institution at a phone number or website known to be legitimate. You may contact Western at 877-254-9328 or email us from our website at https://www.western.org/applications/email.htm.

Charitable Donations

• Beware any donation requests by email and phone. If you wish you make donations to a reputable charity, be sure to contact them at a phone number or web address known to be accurate.
• Avoid anyone collecting information and donations at shopping malls or walking door-to-door. It is safer to obtain contact information and donate another day, after you have verified the legitimacy of the organization.

IRS Tax Season and Economic Issues

• Beware emails and phone calls which claim to be from the IRS or a government agency. It is best to get a phone number, verify its authenticity, and then call back if you are confident. The IRS issued a warning because tax season and economic events are causing more fraud.
• Beware unsolicited calls from banks, credit unions, and credit card companies. Request a phone number, confirm it against a recent bill or the back of your plastic card, and then call back if you are confident.
• Many retail chains are announcing store closures and bankruptcy. Avoid buying gift cards if you are not confident that the retailer will continue to operate throughout 2010. A bankrupt retailer may not be able to honor gift cards in the future.

ATM Security

• Skimmers are fraudulent ATM card readers that may be attached for a short amount of time, allowing attackers to read the data on your ATM card as you insert it into the machine. Small digital cameras may be mounted to the ATM to record your PIN, or an attacker may stand behind you to observe your PIN. Use only reputable ATMs and visually inspect the ATM for any attached devices or tampering. Be aware of those around you and if in doubt, leave the area and do not use the ATM.

Personal Physical Security

• You will likely go shopping and be out late at night, or in crowded environments. Read up on these physical security tips for your personal safety: http://www.privateofficer.com/holidaysafetytips.html

Common sense and knowledge will help you enjoy the coming months with friends and family, while avoiding the fraud and risks around you. Please don’t hesitate to contact security@western.org with any questions or feedback.