SMiShing Attacks Occurring in Southern California Credit Unions.

A SMiShing scam targeting credit union members tell recipients their credit or debit card has been locked or deactivated and instructs them to call a phone number. The text message falsely claims to be from a credit union, among them. All of the text messages include the first four digits of the named credit union's debit card BIN, and a phone number to call.

In computing, SMiShing is a form of criminal activity using social engineering techniques similar to phishing. The name is derived from "SMs phISHING". SMS (Short Message Service) is the technology used for text messages on cell phones.

Similar to phishing, SMiShing uses cell phone text messages to deliver the "bait" to get you to divulge your personal information. The "hook" (the method used to actually "capture" your information) in the text message may be a web site URL, however it has become more common to see a phone number that connects to automated voice response system.

CUSwirl, a service of CU Service Centers, has posted this information:

• SMiShing Attempts Take Aim at Credit Union Members Nationwide

We want you to be aware of unsolicited text messages. Some common methods of attempting to obtain information include:

• Asking the recipient to call a number, at which point he or she is asked for personal information.
• Threatening the closure of an account unless the recipient responds within a certain period of time.

If you receive such a text message, do not call the phone number in the text or even reply to the text. Never give out your personal information in response to an Email or text.

At First Entertainment, we take your privacy seriously. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of each member's and each customer's financial records consistent with state and federal laws. Read more in our Privacy Policy at: http://www.firstent.org/beamember-privacy_policy.shtml. If you have further questions, please contact us at (888)800-3328.