After
receiving an email supposedly from my bank who had lost my
credit card information and ask me for the account number
and password codes, I became very concerned. After doing
some research, I found this information, which indicates
it is more prevalent than I thought. Please read this and
do not get phished.
Email scams are becoming more prevalent
and "phishing" is
just one of the newest frauds. Phishing works when criminals
steal the look and feel of a trusted source (like the bank
or the FDIC) and use it to convince customers to reveal confidential
details like their bank account numbers, social security
numbers, or confidential PIN numbers.
The best advice? Don't respond to
an unsolicited email that asks for financial information,
even if it has the "look
and feel" of the FDIC or your favorite bank. Don't respond,
even if the message sounds urgent. If you're suspicious,
you can call the company, using a telephone number that you
know is legitimate (NOT the one listed on the email message!).
Here are two scams...
SCENARIO 1: You receive an email from the FDIC stating that
your bank account has temporarily been closed due to fraudulent
activity. The email contains an attachment that you are asked
to review.
SCENARIO 2: You receive an email from
the FDIC offering you the opportunity to protect you credit
cards and receive
shopping coupons at the same time. The email also suggests
that you can be part of a "secure" online network
with the FDIC.
In both cases, the emails were fraudulent and were NOT sent
by the FDIC. They are simply an attempt to obtain personal
information or to implant a computer virus. Do not access
the link---do not open the attachment---do not respond!
These are just two examples of "phishing" that
can take place. New scams are created every day, so beware!
The same is true for unsolicited telephone calls probing
for more information. The FDIC regularly provides special
alerts. You may access their site at: FDIC special alerts
A new scam being widely promoted in email are fake paypal
emails, paypal does not send emails asking thier clients
to update information. Neither does any other company online.
Lois Center-Shabazz is the founder of MsFinancialSavvy.com
and author of the 3-time award-winning personal finance book,
Let's Get Financial Savvy! ISBN #0971979502.
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