Watch Out for ‘Pharming’ and ‘Dumpster Diving’
Two Silent Threats to Your Online and Physical Security
At Coulee Bank, protecting your financial security is a top priority. While digital scams are becoming more advanced, some criminals still rely on surprisingly low-tech methods to steal your personal information. This month, we want to raise awareness of two lesser-known—but very real—threats: pharming and dumpster diving.
What Is Pharming?
Pharming (spelled with a “ph” like phishing) is a cyberattack where criminals redirect you from a real website, like your bank’s site, to a fake one designed to steal your information. Unlike phishing, which typically involves clicking on a bad link, pharming can happen even when you type the correct website address into your browser. That’s what makes it especially dangerous.
How Does It Happen?
1. Malware on Your Device – Malicious software on your computer or phone can silently redirect your browser to a fake site.
2. DNS Poisoning – DNS (Domain Name System) is like the internet’s address book. If criminals tamper with DNS settings, they can reroute traffic from a legitimate website to a fake one without you knowing.
How to Stay Safe from Pharming:
- Always look for https:// and the padlock icon before entering any sensitive info.
- Never ignore browser security warnings.
- Keep your antivirus, browser, and operating systems up to date.
- Use trusted security tools to block malicious activity.
- Bookmark important websites instead of typing them manually every time.
What Is Dumpster Diving?
It might sound like something out of a movie, but dumpster diving is a real-world tactic used by criminals to find personal or financial information in your trash. Thieves often look through discarded mail, receipts, or outdated documents to find account numbers, Social Security numbers, or anything that could help commit identity theft or fraud.
What Are They Looking For?
- Bank and credit card statements
- Pre-approved credit card offers
- Medical bills or insurance forms
- Loan paperwork
- Old checks or deposit slips
- Documents with your name, address, or other personal data
How to Stay Safe from Dumpster Diving:
- Shred documents before throwing them out—especially anything with financial or personal details.
- Opt for paperless statements when possible to reduce risk.
- Drop sensitive documents directly into secure shredding bins or use a cross-cut shredder at home.
- Monitor your accounts and credit reports regularly for unusual activity.
We’re Here to Help
At Coulee Bank, your safety is our business. We’ll never ask you to confirm sensitive information through suspicious links or unsecured channels. If something ever feels off, stop, don’t click, and give us a call. And remember, protecting your identity doesn’t stop at your screen; it starts at your mailbox, your trash bin, and your habits.
Stay informed. Stay secure.
Your Coulee Bank Team