Computer-based technology adds not only speed and convenience to the banking world, it also opens the door to new or greater risks.  Two new risks are "phishing" and "spoofing."

These terms refer to ID-theft scams being used to target bank customers.  Phishing involves sending e-mails that purport to be from a bank to its customers asking for personal information such as Social Security and account numbers.  The fraudsters may even direct the user to a sham Web site they have set up that appears to be the bank's Web site.  This is "spoofing", whereby a legitimate Web site is mimicked for purposes of illegally collecting sensitive user information.

Beware of e-mail messages that ask for "confirmation" or otherwise seek to have you divulge information that your Bank should already know.

Never divulge personal account data or Social Security numbers over the internet.  The Bank will never ask for such information in that manner.

Report any suspicious e-mail to the Bank, but not via the Internet site being reference in the e-mail.

FDIC SPECIAL ALERT

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has been notified that consumers have received e-mails that appear to the reader to be related to banking activities.  The fraudulent e-mails request that the recipients respond to a notice from their bank to confirm an online payment to be made for products purchased.  The link contained within the e-mail serves as a gateway to the fraudulent Web site.  The fraudulent Web site is designed to look like a page from the FDIC's authentic Web page, where the individual is then directed to provide sensitive financial and personal information, such as bank or credit card numbers.

The use of this type of e-mail scam, seeking to obtain sensitive information from individuals, is referred to as "phishing."  The FDIC provides information on its Web site that explains more about phishing and other types of fraudulent activity targeting consumers at fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/index.html.  The information on this site also provides consumers with tips on protecting personal information from these types of scams.

This alert is intended to warn consumers that the fraudulent e-mail, which could also possibly contain a computer virus, was not sent by the FDIC.  Consumers are warned NOT to access the link or submit personal information through this site.  Additionally, as a reminder to all consumers, the FDIC strongly recommends that individuals safeguard personal information and refrain from responding to any unsolicited request for personal information.
 

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