Vishing

What is Vishing?

Using automated calling systems, criminals call random phone numbers in an area and threaten account deactivation or refer to another urgent security situation. You may be asked for your account number, Visa Check card number or other personal information, which can then be used to perpetrate fraud.

REMEMBER

If Old Point is calling YOU, we should already have that information, and would not ask you to provide it. If you have any doubts about a phone call you receive, hang up and call a number that is listed for the bank in the phone book or on bank communication. That way you are calling a number that you are sure is legitimate.

Protect yourself against “phishing” and “vishing”

Financial Institutions, Federal Agencies, retailers and credit card companies have seen their Web sites copied by criminals intent on tricking individuals into providing personal financial information by responding to an official-looking, but entirely fictitious e-mail.

Exercise some simple precautions:

• Never respond to an unsolicited e-mail or telephone call that asks for detailed personal financial information.
• Report any suspicious e-mails or phone calls you receive to the proper authorities. At a minimum, verify the legitimacy of the e-mail by contacting the company using a different contact resource. Avoid using phone numbers or e-mail links provided in the suspect e-mail.
• Use the Internet Crime Complaint Center as a resource if you think you have received a phishing e-mail or have been directed to a suspect Web site. Their e-mail address is www.ifccfbi.gov.
• Resist the urge to immediately respond to a suspicious e-mail or phone call despite urgent or exaggerated claims.
• Read the text of the e-mail several times and ask yourself why the personal information is being requested.