Types of Fraud

Phishing

Phishing is a method developed by scammers and hackers to get innocent victims to reveal their personal information. Phishing is a leading factor to the rise in identity theft. The most common method of phishing involves skillfully designed e-mails which claims to be from a reputable company with whom the recipient may or may not have a relationship. The e-mail may request the recipient to confirm personal information such as your access IDs, passwords, account numbers, etc. The e-mail may instruct you to update or confirm your personal information by responding to the e-mail or by directing you to a fake web site that looks like a legitimate web site. Be cautious if you receive an email that appears to have been sent by us.

Vishing

A variation of phishing is vishing, in which you receive an email supposedly from a reputable source with an urgent request for you to call a phone number. You are then asked to provide sensitive information either by voice or by entering on the keypad. Do not call the number. Instead, contact First Federal immediately at 337.421.1200.

First Federal Bank will never:

• Send e-mails requesting personal information including Online Banking passwords
• Send e-mails requesting to verify account activity
• Send e-mails claiming to restrict your account or card if personal information is not provided

If you believe you have received a suspicious e-mail from an individual posing as First Federal, please forward it to firstfederal@ffbla.com so we may verify if it is valid.

Smishing

The most common method of smishing involves skillfully designed text messages that claim to be from a reputable source with whom the recipient may or may not have a relationship. The text message may request the recipient to confirm personal information such as your access IDs, passwords, account numbers, etc. The text message may instruct you to update or confirm your personal information by responding to the message or by directing you to a fake web site that looks like a legitimate web site. Be cautious if you receive a text message that appears to have been sent by us. Make sure you are familiar with the mobile communications of the sources that you allow to send you messages.

Spyware & Malware

Spyware and Malware are programs that can be loaded onto your computer without your knowledge. Spyware disguises itself as a legitimate application and embeds itself into your computer to monitor your activity and collect information. Malware contains viruses, Trojan horses or other types of malicious code designed to steal personal information. Spyware and Malware are both serious threats to the security of your computer and can be spread through email, web sites, text messages and more.

• Do not open emails, attachments or links from a source that you do not know or trust.
• Keep your antivirus software updated. Ensure that your antivirus software also includes anti-malware software.
• Be aware of unexpected pop-up boxes requesting personal information. Your computer may be infected with malware by a hacker that is trying to obtain your personal information.

Please be aware that legitimate calls from First Federal, such as calls from the Fraud Prevention group are made on a normal basis. The agents will only ask for confirmation of certain transactions on your debit card. Your personal information is not requested.