Minimizing Exposure to Identity Theft Series (Part 1 of 4)

Posted in Board Brief on Apr 17, 2024

Microsoft Email Malware Scam (Fraud)
This is a VERY Important Alert!
In recent months, people (including some of OUR members) have been reporting a malicious scam using Microsoft as the bait. Here is how it works.

• You get an email from Microsoft. (Microsoft does not send you warnings about crimes you’ve committed or other such BAIT.)
• It informs you malware (the SCARE) has been put on your phone, PC or tablet. (Microsoft does not inform you about a specific malware. If you are using Microsoft, Norton/Samantic, McAfee or any other security suite of products, they will remove the malware insta...

Digital Fraud Series - (Part 2 of 2)

Posted in Board Brief on Mar 20, 2024

Email Phishing Schemes

Fraud continues to be rampant. Last month we highlighted new ways your phone is under attack. However, that does not mean scammers have moved away from email to your phone. This Board Brief reminds us phishing scams still abound. Scammers intend to get you to download malware. Remember, malware is designed to steal your passwords, your personal information or control your computer without your knowledge.

What should you be looking for when you receive an email from an unknown source (or a source that seems legitimate like a vendor or bank)? The first step is to think, d...

Digital Fraud Series - (Part 1 of 2)

Posted in Board Brief on Feb 21, 2024

Text Fraud

Who Can You Trust? Fraud continues to be rampant. It now includes attacks on your phone!
This Board Brief demonstrates the difference between a text you can trust (KTFCU Falcon Alert) and one you can’t (a Fraudulent Text). Let’s look at the difference.

FALCON ALERT (TRUSTED COMMUNICATION)

• Sender Address – Most legitimate texts from a financial institution like Falcon Alerts (which are tied to your KTFCU credit or debit cards) have a five-digit code (86975 is the example).
• Information Offered – It suspects fraud and is asking you to respond (YES or NO) to a specific situation (the a...

There's an App for That! Not Necessarily.

Posted in Board Brief on Jan 17, 2024

Downloading Mobile Apps: Do's & Don'ts

In December’s Board Brief we shared with you a released from NSYTRS regarding a fraudulent mobile app claiming the "NYS Retirement" App was available on Google Play. That App was a fraud.

Why would Google or Apple allow fraudulent Apps on their App stores? The quick answer; they try not to. They make every effort to detect such Apps before they are made available. As much as they try, bad actors get through. Once an App is discovered, they get removed.

Here are some things to consider and be aware of regarding downloading Apps. When you go to either Goog...

NYSUT Retirees Beware!

Posted in Board Brief on Dec 20, 2023

NYSTRS Mobile App Scam

On April 13, 2023, NYSTRS released a statement regarding a fraudulent mobile app claiming the "NYS Retirement" App is currently available on Google Play (https://www.nystrs.org/About-Us/Press-Room/Headlines/Beware-of-Fake-NYS-Retirement-Mobile-App). Thankfully, this App is no longer available on Google Play or the App Store. The “NYS Retirement” App was not affiliated with NYSTRS. Fraudulent Apps like this attempt to steal your personal data.

Please note that NYSTRS does offer a valid, secure mobile app titled "NYSTRS Mobile". NYSTRS suggests you periodically visit the...