Sophisticated phishing attack hits credit union

Friday, 9 May 2008. Categories: USA

Consumers in the US are being targeted by a phishing campaign which engages with them twice before requesting sensitive information, it is reported.

Members of the Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union have received emails informing them their account has been deactivated and requesting they contact a phone number, Consumer Affairs notes.

The fraud is not immediately obvious as the email even includes a link to the union's real website.

However, when consumers dial the number, they reach a voicemail account where they can leave their phone number - allowing the criminal to contact them through an untraceable phone, leaving no recorded messages as proof of fraud or theft, it explains.

Once victims leave their number, "the scammer can call them back, using an untraceable phone, and obtain the sensitive information that could then be used to steal the victim's identity and clean out their bank account", reporter Mark Huffman warns.

It is more common for phishing emails to direct the recipient to a fraudulent website which urges them to enter sensitive information such as bank details or passwords.

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Sophisticated phishing attack hits credit union

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