Phishing: fraudulent e-mails and texts

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of online deception, using fraudulent emails and text messages sent to unsuspecting users. It’s designed to steal personal data, such as credit card numbers, passwords or other account information, by masquerading as a legitimate business in an electronic communication

How does phishing work?

In a typical phishing incident, a con artist will send you a fraudulent email or text message that appears to come from websites you trust – like Vancity or your phone company – and will request that you click on a link which takes you to a fraudulent website where you will be asked to enter your online credentials and provide personal information. The thief will then use the information they receive to access your bank or credit card accounts, spend your money or steal your identity.

Phony email, text messages and websites often include official-looking logos and identifying information fraudsters have taken directly from legitimate websites. These copycat sites, also called "spoofed" websites, are often where people will unwittingly send personal information to con artists.

Ways to protect yourself

1. If you think you've received a Vancity phishing email or text message, do not respond to it. Do not respond, do not open or click on any links, and do not open attachments in the email or text. Please notify us immediately by forwarding us a copy of the communication. Never respond to any communications requesting your personal banking information – we would never ask you to submit your banking information by email or text.
2. Sign up for online banking alerts. With our free alerts, keep tabs on your online banking and enviro™ Visa* card account activity, monitor your spending and more. Set up alerts and get notified by email or text message when certain changes are made to your online banking or enviro Visa account such as when a new bill payee has been added, online banking account has been locked after the maximum number of failed attempts, or when a transaction has been made on your Visa card outside of Canada. Learn more about online banking alerts, and how it can help protect you from becoming a fraud victim.

If you did click a link on a phishing email or text

If you clicked on a link in a phishing email or text and/or provided personal banking information, please call the Member Services Centre at 604.877.7000 or toll free at 1.888.Vancity (826.2489).

Depending on what personal and banking information may have been compromised, additional steps may need to be taken to protect yourself from fraud going forward. Please contact us and we can assist you.

For more information on phishing scams and how to avoid compromising your personal and financial information, visit our full section on .