What Is a "Phishing" Scam?
“Phishing” is a scam, usually by e-mail, but now expanded to phone and regular mail communications, in which fraudsters send out official looking messages tricking consumers into revealing personal information, such as credit or debit account numbers, Social Security numbers, checking account information or banking account passwords. Most of the messages warn of possible stolen account information and link to a fake Web site mimicking a real government agency or company. Click here for more Phishing information.

Steps to Take to Avoid Internet Scams

• To be certain you are using an authentic Chartway online service, always type www.chartway.com into your browser's address bar and access the service from this site.
• Never supply your personal account information when requested in e-mail. Chartway will never request your personal account information or PIN number.
• Protect your Social Security number and credit card account numbers. Treat this information as the valuable asset it is.
• When making transactions over the Internet, use only a secure site. Look for the "lock" icon on the Web page.
• Review a copy of your credit report at least once a year.
• Use anti-virus software and keep it up to date. Click here for more tips on online safety.
• Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to determine whether there are any unauthorized charges.
• Report suspicious activity to the FTC. If you get spam that is phishing for information, forward it to spam@uce.gov.

Protect Yourself From Recent Visa® Fraud
Visa has recently identified a phishing scam making reference to “Verified by Visa” that uses e-mail to request verification of Visa account information. The following indicators may help you to identify a message as a phishing scam:

• The e-mail, phone call or letter asks you to provide personal information, such as your bank account number, credit card number, account password, PIN number, mother’s maiden name or Social Security number.
• The e-mail, phone call or letter fails to address you by name.
• The e-mail, phone call or letter references only a partial account number.
• The e-mail, phone call or letter warns that your account may be shut down unless you reconfirm your financial information.

Avoid Becoming A Victim
Neither Chartway nor Visa will ever initiate a request for personal information via e-mail, phone or regular mail.

DO NOT send personal information in response to a communication request from anyone or any company/government agency. Do not reply to these messages or respond by clicking on a link in the e-mail message, if applicable. Click here for more information on protecting your identity. If you believe someone has stolen your private financial information, contact Chartway’s Contact Center by clicking here to report the incident immediately.

As always, Chartway is dedicated to keeping your personal information safe and secure. If you believe you may have been a victim of a phishing crime, Visa encourages you to file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov/.