Phishing & Spoofing
The most common type of online fraud
includes email messages sent to you for the
purpose of stealing personal and financial
information. This practice is known as
"phishing" or "spoofing". These emails claim
to be from legitimate sources you use and
trust. They try to entice you to provide
different types of personal and confidential
information including your online ID's,
passwords, Social Security number and bank
account numbers. This is done by asking you
to reply directly to the email, or by asking
you to link to a phony Web site that appears
legitimate.
Key
logging
Key Logging software can record everything
that is typed on your computer and send the
information to an outside party. The
unwanted software usually infects a computer
in the form of a virus attached to an e-mail
or other type of download. These are often
referred to as "Spyware" or "Adware."
Western Capital
Recommends the Following to Combat Security
Threats
Be suspicious of e-mail fraud
(Phishing & Spoofing)
Fraudulent email messages try to obtain your
personal information.
Western Capital will NEVER send you
an e-mail asking you to provide such
information. Remember:
- Never respond to an e-mail asking
for personal login information.
- Always make certain the correct site
address is listed in the address line of
your Internet browser when you login to
our website
(i.e. www.mycollector.com).
- If you receive a suspicious e-mail,
contact Western
Capital immediately.
Use a personal firewall
A firewall is an extra level of protection
for your home or work network. Your
operating system may already provide this
service. If you do not currently have a
firewall, we recommend that you obtain this
valuable software to help protect yourself.
Use the
most current operating system
Older operating systems do not provide the
same level of security as newer systems do.
For the most secure connection, you should
update your computer to the latest operating
system your computer can support.
Update
your operating system often
In addition to having the most current
operating system, check your operating
system manufacturer's web site often to make
certain you have the recommended updates.
Most operating systems allow you to request
a notification when a new update is ready,
or even automate your system to receive and
install updates automatically.
You can check to see if you are using the
most current software by visiting one of the
following sites:
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.apple.com
Use the
most current web browser
By using the most current web browser, you
are assuring the most secure connection.
Western Capital
recommends the following browsers for use
with our sites:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or
later ( visit www.microsoft.com)
- Netscape Navigator 6.0 or later
(visit http://browser.netscape.com)
Use up-to-date virus protection software
Anti-virus software provides protection
against viruses that compromise your
computers security. Once installed, make
certain to take advantage of the continuous
updates provided by the software
manufacturer to combat the latest virus
threats.
Prevent
"Spyware" from infiltrating your PC
"Spyware" and "Adware" can record your
browsing activity and report it to
disreputable sources. They can even
record information you have provided for
account access
- e.g. credit card numbers and login
information. There are two ways to keep this
type of program off your computer.
- Avoid downloading software from
unknown sources. Never accept an
invitation to download software from a
source that you do not know and trust.
- Scan your computer for Spyware and
Adware often. There are publicly
available programs which scan your PC
and help eradicate any existing Spyware
and Adware.
Use secure sites when shopping or banking
online
When shopping or banking online, it is
important to make sure you are utilizing a
secure connection. You can check for a
secure site by looking at the web site
address. Look for an "s" to follow http
(i.e. https://). Also, many web browsers
show an image of a lock in the lower
right-hand corner to indicate a secure
connection.
Exercise caution with your username and
password
High tech methods are not the only way for
unscrupulous individuals to access your
personal information. Your username and
password grant access to your banking
account and should be guarded just as you
would your banking
ATM PIN. Use the following discretion with
your information:
- Create a username and password
that are random and difficult to guess.
Social Security Numbers, birthdates,
anniversary dates or other easily
guessed pieces of personal info should
never be used as your username or
password. If possible, select a username
and password which contains both letters
and numbers.
- Change your password often.
You can change your password at
Western Capital
online in moments by logging-in
and selecting "Change Password" under
the "Services" tab.
- Never share your username and
password with anyone.
- When using a public computer, be
certain no one is watching when you
enter your login information.
- DO NOT allow a system or browser
to "remember" your password and username
on a computer to which others have
access.
- Never write down your username or
password.
Assistance is
Available
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The Federal Trade
Commission (FTC)
provides a variety
of useful
information and
resources related to
identity theft,
including an ID
Theft Affidavit for
disputing accounts
opened in your name
without your
authorization. Visit
the FTC ID Theft Web
site:
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
If you suspect
your personal
information has been
hijacked and
misappropriated to
commit fraud or
theft, take action
immediately. Contact
any of the three
major credit bureaus
to place a fraud
alert on your credit
file. You also can
order a credit
report to identify
any unauthorized
activity.
CREDIT BUREAUS
Equifax -
www.equifax.com
To order your
report, call:
800-685-1111
To report fraud,
call: 800-525-6285
TDD 800-255-0056 and
write:
P.O. Box
740241
Atlanta, GA
30374-0241
Experian -
www.experian.com
To order your
report, call:
888-EXPERIAN
(397-3742)
To report fraud,
call: 888-EXPERIAN
(397-3742)
TDD 800-972-0322 and
write:
P.O. Box 9532
Allen TX 75013
TransUnion -
www.transunion.com
To order your
report, call:
800-888-4213
To report fraud,
call: 800-680-7289
TDD 877-553-7803;
fax: 714-447-6034;
email: fvad@transunion.com
or write:
Fraud Victim
Assistance
Department
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA
92834-6790
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Online Account Access
with Western Capital is a safe,
secure, convenient way to
access your personal account 24/7.
Taking prudent precautions will ensure your
information remains private. If you have any
questions regarding Internet Banking
security, or if you believe that your
account security has been compromised,
contact an Internet
Services representative at
877-517-9555, from
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. MT, Monday through
Saturday.
Regards,
ROBERT PAISOLA
Robert Paisola
President and Chief
Executive Officer
The Western Capital
Family of Companies