BNSF News

Protect Your Identity around Holidays or Other Notable Dates

2010-03-11

Cyber criminals often time their attempts to obtain access to your sensitive information in conjunction with other legitimate events.

BNSF frequently observes increases in phishing exploits around holidays like Valentine's Day or Easter. The hacker may try to install malicious software on your computer using tools that appear to be legitimate, such as fake e-Cards or correspondence appearing to be from financial institutions or government agencies.

Near tax-filing time in April, for example, the hacker may send e-mails that appear to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requesting a Social Security number and other personal identifying information. The IRS will not contact you by e-mail unless an agent has already contacted you and arranged to correspond with you via e-mail.

Another event that hackers may try to exploit is the 2010 U.S. Census. Census forms will be mailed to residential addresses in mid-March. Some may receive a personal visit from a census taker. Please note that the census form cannot be completed online.

Remember to refrain from opening attachments and clicking on links you don't know or trust.

BNSF Headquarters

BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com