Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union this weekend learned of a “vishing” scam being perpetrated on members of the financial institution and non-members alike. Vishing is the practice of sending text messages that appear to have come from a financial institution
Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union this weekend learned of a “vishing” scam being perpetrated on members of the financial institution and non-members alike.
Vishing is the practice of sending text messages that appear to have come from a financial institution with the intention of having recipients share sensitive information that can be used to commit fraud or identity theft.
Text messages notified victims their account access was locked. A phone number was provided in the text message so
account access could be restored.
“Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union did not send this text message, nor would we ever ask members to submit personal financial information over the phone,” Charles Carveiro, vice president of loans and information technology of KCFCU, said in a press release.
“Any such requests should be viewed as highly suspicious and recipients should not respond to these text messages.”
Carveiro said KCFCU is working with Internet security experts to shut down the bogus phone numbers.
“We cannot prevent this type of fraud from being attempted in the future, therefore only through education and awareness can we hope to protect ourselves from identity theft and vishing,” Carveiro said, according to the release.
Those who have responded to the text message and shared personal account information are encouraged to contact KCFCU by calling 245-6791, visiting a branch office or sending an e-mail to abuse@kcfcu.org.
