Phishing Scams: Don’t Share Personal Info or Click Suspicious Links

This is the time of year the scammers get busy looking for people who are too busy or distracted so they can steal money and financial information.

ALWAYS BE ON ALERT NOT JUST THIS WEEK

This is fraud awareness week in Washington State and authorities continue to warn everyone of the need to stay vigilant against many scams that threaten your personal and financial information. Officials with Gesa Credit Union are sharing a bunch of helpful tips to help you keep your money. One of the most common scams is the phishing scam in which you receive an email, text or call from scammers who pretend they represent your bank or other organization. They request financial or personal information. That's the red flag. Why? Because as a customer those places already have your information.

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WATCH THOSE EMAILS AND TEXT MESSAGES

Gesa officials say never click on suspicious links, reply with personal info, or share passwords. If you have a question they say always verify the information by contacting your bank or other institution directly yourself. Then always check your accounts to catch suspicious activity early.

BE CAREFUL WHEN USING AN ATM OR PAY TERMINALS

Do you use an ATM? Many people do and on this fraud awareness week think about how you use your ATM. Watch for those card skimmers, the devices attached to ATM's or the pay terminals at stores. Look for signs of tampering and always cover your keypad when using your PIN number to prevent hidden cameras from recording your information. Think before you pay or click on an email it could result in a big financial headache.

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A WARNING FROM PACIFIC POWER

Pacific Power officials are warning about scammer phone calls saying your service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30 to 60 minutes unless you pay immediately. Power officials are reminding everyone they would never contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnecting their service the same day. They urge you to be suspicious of anyone who contacts you demanding on-the-spot payment.

SO WHAT TO DO?

If you receive one of these calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill. Also watch for emails and text messages with the same demand for payment.