Another FRAUDULENT "phishing" email

While we're on the subject, I got another fraudulent "phishing" email today, so let's turn the spotlight on this one, so you'll better be able to spot them in YOUR inbox!

As always, they try to play on either your fear or your greed, and at the same time try to look official by posing behind an official, well-known name. Either your account has somehow been "compromised" or you can get money or something for free. These are almost always the tell-tale giveaways about "phishing" emails.

And they always require you to click on a link related to the scam. Once you do, however, it's too late. Your faithful browser will dutifully display the destination page and by doing so will let in the code, and presto you're the newest member of some idiots botnet.

Here's the one I got today:

Dear Credit Union Customer,

You have been chosen by our online department to take part in this quick and easy 5 question survey. In return we will credit $20 to your account - just for your time! Helping us better understand how our customers feel benefits everyone.

With the information collected we can make a number of changes designed to improve and expand the quality of our services.

Please click here to answer our questions and get your reward.

All the information provided is non-sensitive and anonymous. No part of it is handed down to any third party groups. It will be stored in our secure database for maximum of 3 days while we process the results of this nationwide survey.

We kindly thank you for your time!The CUNA Online Department

© 2006 Credit Union National Association, Inc.

I was of course suspicious, so I Googled "Credit Union National Association." I went to their website from the Google search result listing, and guess what? At the top of their homepage was the following warning about the "phishing" email I had received. It said:

Fraud Alert

CUNA is aware of new phishing emails in the form of surveys asking for feedback on your financial institution. These messages are scams and should be deleted. There is no monetary award for filling out the form -- this is an identity theft scam.

CUNA will never solicit e-mails requesting your credit union username, password, pin number, or other personal identity information.

Learn to recognize these trick emails that land in your inbox and you'll be glad you did!