Fraudulent E-mail Survey

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of fraudulent e-mails that have the appearance of being sent from the FDIC.

The e-mail exhibits the "Subject" line: "SURVEY CODE: STJSPNUPUT". The "From" line may exhibit variations; however, the messages are similar.

The email states, "You have been chosen by the FDIC to take part in our quick and easy 5 questions survey. In return we will credit $100 to your account just for your time!" The recipient is then instructed to "Click here to Continue." Recipients should not click on the link provided.

This email and link are fraudulent. Recipients should consider the intent of the email as an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto end users' computers. As a reminder, the FDIC does not send unsolicited emails to consumers or business account holders.

E-mail Claiming to Be From the FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of fraudulent e-mails that have the appearance of being sent from the Publishers Clearing House that make reference to the FDIC.

The e-mails inform the recipient that he or she is the winner of a large cash prize and instructs them to obtain a “Check Insurance Certificate from FDIC.” The e-mails state the FDIC will be “requesting a fee of $1,000.00” to provide the “Check Insurance Certificate.” The e-mails state that the recipient is to write to the FDIC via e-mail for instructions on how to send the requested fee. A fraudulent phone number and e-mail address are provided.

The FDIC does not issue anything called a “Check Insurance Certificates.” These e-mails are fraudulent and were not sent by Publishers Clearing House or the FDIC. Recipients should consider the intent of these e-mails as an attempt to steal money or collect personal or confidential information from the recipient. Recipients should NOT, under any circumstances, send funds as requested or provide any personal financial information through this media.

DFI Warns About Fraudulent Website: Helpwithmybank.com

The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has announced that the website "helpwithmybank.com" is attempting to masquerade as the legitimate website "helpwithmybank.gov" and contains potentially damaging malware. The illegitimate site redirects the user to the legitimate site "helpwithmybank.gov" in an attempt to convince users that they are connecting to a legitimate site. Attempts to connect to the fake Web site could expose the user to harmful malware.

Any information that you may have concerning this matter should be brought to the attention of:

E-mail: occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov
Mail: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Enforcement & Compliance Division, MS 8-10
250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20219
Fax: (202) 874-5301

ABA Warns of Phishing Scams

The American Bankers Association is warning consumers not to fall victim to a sudden increase in phishing scams that have been reported in states around the country.
According to reports, perpetrators are using automated dialers, text messages or emails to misinform consumers that their accounts have been closed due to fraud. Consumers are then prompted to enter in their card information, including expiration number and three-digit CCV code on the back of the card, in order to reactivate their accounts. Those who respond to these inquires run the potential risk of having their information used to fraudulently purchase goods and services or to obtain credit.
To avoid becoming the victim of a phishing scam, ABA recommends:

• Never give out your personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited phone call, fax or email, no matter how official it may seem.

• Do not respond to email that may warn of dire consequences unless you validate your information immediately. Contact the company to confirm the email's validity using a telephone number or Web address you know to be genuine.

• Check your credit card and bank account statements regularly and look for unauthorized transactions, even small ones. Some thieves hope small transactions will go unnoticed. Report discrepancies immediately.

• When submitting financial information online, look for the padlock or key icon at the bottom of your Internet browser. Also, many secure Internet addresses, though not all use "https".

• Report suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.

If you have responded to an email, contact your bank immediately so they can protect your account and your identity.