ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNS CONSUMERS OF CREDIT UNION EMAIL SCAM

Phoenix, Ariz. - March 16, 2007. Attorney General Terry Goddard today warned consumers about a "phishing" email scam purported to be from the Arizona State Credit Union requesting personal identifying information.

Arizona State Credit Union members have received emails that appear official, but are in fact from an overseas address. The emails warn consumers that there is a problem with their account, links them to a Web site and requests that they log in to correct this problem.  Once they enter the site, a request is made for debit or credit card information. Consumers are warned that if they do not correct this problem immediately, their account will be suspended for security reasons.

This is a scam.  The Arizona State Credit Union and other financial institutions do not ask for personal information through email.  If you have received one of these emails, do not respond.  Notify the credit union and then delete the email.

Keep these red flags in mind when reviewing your email:

*  Warnings that your account will be suspended unless you "confirm" personal information immediately.
*  A link to a Web site where your login and password are requested.
*  The linked Web site address begins with "HTTP:" rather than "HTTPS:" which indicates a secure Web site.
* A request for personal financial information, such as debit or credit card numbers, a Social Security number or your mother's maiden name.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763; in Tucson at 520.628.6504; or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431. To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General's Office has 26 satellite offices throughout Arizona with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours are posted on the Attorney General's Web site at www.azag.gov.