PACE Savings and Credit Union, Vaughan, Ontario, 905-738-8900

Fraud and Security alerts!

Beware of Scams
In today's electronic world, it's important to be diligent and discrimating in divulging your personal information. To help you learn more about protecting your identity, we are providing articles and links to reputable websites that provide important information and advice.

RCMP - http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams/index_e.htm
RCMP - http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca//scams/identity_theft_e.htm
PHONEBUSTERS - http://www.phonebusters.com/english/recognizeit_identitythe.html

Phishing
"Phishing" is a form of fraud that is intended to steal your identity. A growing number of phishing scams take place using look-alike emails and web site with names and the official-looking logos of legitimate financial institutions, businesses and governments. By convincing unsuspecting users to provide valuable personal information - like account and credit card information, passwords, and other data fraudsters are able to steal your identity and gain access to your finances.

Please know that PACE Credit Union goes to great length to protect your personal information and only sends email to members in response to email inquiries initiated by members. PACE Credit Union would never divulge via email any unsolcited information nor would PACE Credit Union ever ask for any personal or account information via email (we already have it securely on record).

If you are ever in doubt about the legitimacy of any PACE Credit Union communication please contact us immediately at 1.800.433.9122. PACE Credit Union would also encourage you to ensure that your computer applications are current and that you are using the most recent versions of internet browsers and web security software.

DEBIT Card Security
While Interac is a world leader in safety and security, debit card fraud can occur.

Debit Card Skimming
Debit card skimming involves unauthorized copying of electronic data from debit cards and PINs through the use of hidden equipment such as pin-hole cameras and card reading devices. Once fraudsters have this information, they encode the stolen data onto a counterfeit card and use it to withdraw funds.
Keep your money safe by protecting your debit card and Personal Identification Number (PIN):

1. Your PIN is a key security feature -- never disclose it to anyone.
2. Use your hand or body to shield your PIN when using your debit card.
3. Only allow your card to be swiped once.
4. To report lost or stolen cards, please call 1-866-758-5678

If you become a victim of debit card fraud, you are protected by the Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Debit Card Services, under which all proven victims of debit card fraud will not suffer any financial losses. Contact us immediately if you suspect you are the victim of debit card fraud. Please see the Interac website for more information on debit card security.

The Threat of Identity Theft
There's been lots of talk about online fraud, in particular “phishing” and the use of “spyware”.

Email fraud or Phishing
Phishing occurs when a criminal sends an email falsely claiming to be a legitimate organization in an attempt to fool a user into submitting personal, financial or password data, usually through a direct link to a “spoofed website” (a replica of the legitimate one). (The word "phishing" is a play on fishing - the criminal hopes that some will be tempted to take the bait.)
Phished sites may appear to have the correct web address or URL but when the link is clicked, the user will be redirected to the spoofed site. To be safe, always use your favourites or type the address of the website you want into your browser.

Spyware
Spyware is a general term used for software that collects personal information – including capturing your key strokes – or changes the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent when you install other software like a music or video file sharing program.

Identity Theft
Often, the intent behind phishing and keystroke capture is identity theft. Criminals want your information to commit fraud: taking over your credit card account, opening up new credit card accounts, accessing your bank accounts or taking loans out in your name.

Protect Yourself
Most identity theft is self-detected. One way to protect yourself is to check your credit rating regularly to ensure no credit cards or loans have been taken out in your name that you're unaware of. See our TransUnion page to order your credit rating. For more on identity theft, how to protect yourself and how to report it, see the PhoneBusters and the Canadian government's Consumer Measures Committee (CMC) websites. The CMC 's Identity Theft Statement can be completed by victims of identity theft and used by financial institutions, credit card issuers and other organizations to investigate claims of identity theft.

PLEASE REMEMBER!

PACE Credit Union will never send you an email with a direct link or ask for passwords, account numbers or personal information. Rather, PACE Credit Union exchanges information with members privately through Secure Messaging (available through Online Banking, password protected, and sent through a secure server). If you receive an email that appears to have been sent by PACE Credit Union that makes you suspicious, DO NOT REPLY and DO NOT SELECT OR CLICK ANY LINKS. Please contact us immediately.