Protect Yourself: Beware of Phishing Attempts
by Rey Leclerc
FDIC Consumer Call Centers in Kansas City, Missouri, and Washington, D.C., began receiving a large number of complaints by consumers who received an e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The e-mail informed the recipient that the Department of Homeland Security Director advised the FDIC to suspend all deposit insurance on the recipient’s bank account due to suspected violations of the USA PATRIOT Act. The e-mail further indicated that deposit insurance will be suspended until personal identity, including bank account information, could be verified.
This e-mail was not sent by the FDIC and is a fraudulent attempt to obtain personal information from consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT access the link provided within the body of the e-mail and should NOT under any circumstances provide any personal information through this media.
Keep in mind that:
- Legitimate organizations NEVER request personal information in such a way.
- A phishing webpage will look authentic. Anyone with a little HTML code experience can create fraudulent sites that look real.
- If you are unsure, call the organization to verify that it did indeed send the e-mail. Do not use the phone number provided in the phishing e-mail. Look up an alternative number in your records or in the phone book.
The best practice is to check the URL in the address bar of the browser or better yet typing the URL address yourself instead of clicking through. If it looks at all suspicious (e.g. contains numbers or an IP address instead of the name of the site) open the browser window and re-type the URL of the site you are trying and look for a message warning customers about these phishing attacks and/or call the merchants or ISP customer service center and ask if there is in fact a problem with your account.
Beware before you give any personal identity information over the Internet
Rey LeClerc, Ph.D.
Unit Director – Risk Management & Compliance
Custody/Fund Accounting
Investors Bank and Trust
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Address
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Telephone 617-937-4667
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Mobile
617-838-2177
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E-Mail
rey.leclerc@ibtco.com
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