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Vishing

Electronic thieves have a new method of attack. Because Internet users are learning not to click links in unsolicited emails in order to prevent phishing attempts, these thieves are now "vishing," which is short for "voice phishing."

There are numerous methods employed to compel someone to divulge personal information. Some such techniques include but are not limited to:

  • Vishers may have the victim's personal information, such as a credit card number, and ask for confirmation of the three-digit security code on the back.
  • Vishers use an electronic phone banking application that imitates a real financial institution's phone banking to prompt the caller to key-enter information that is captured.
  • Vishers impersonate Caller ID information which is presented on the screen of the victim's phone.

Tips to avoid vishing scams:

  • If you receive a suspicious email from a company you know, do not call the number provided on the email, instead call the phone number obtained from a reliable source.
  • If you receive a call and it prompts you to enter information via your touch-tone phone, hang up and dial the company at a phone number obtained from a reliable source and advise them of the phone call.
  • If you think your account number has been compromised, alert your financial institution and request a new number if necessary.

If you suspect you have been a victim of a vishing scam on your Western accounts please contact our Call Center at 877-254-9328.


Vishing Alert - February 2009

Western has recently learned that a few Western members have received phone calls from a person claiming to work for Western who tells them their account is frozen. This is a fraudulent call in an attempt to retrieve personal information like address and the 3-digit CVV code on the back of the card in order to complete fraudulent transactions. One member indicated that the caller stated they were from South Bay Western Federal Credit Union. This is phone fraud, commonly referred to as Vishing. If you have been a victim of this scam, contact our Call Center at 877-254-9328 immediately.

Vishing Alert - February 2009
Western has recently learned that a few Western members have received phone calls from a person claiming to work for Western who tells them their account is frozen. This is a fraudulent call in an attempt to retrieve personal information like address and the 3-digit CVV code on the back of the card in order to complete fraudulent transactions. Read more
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