FDIC Phishing Scam

11/4/2009

Lexington, KY - Con artists always keep up with the news headlines so they can find new ways to hook victims. There's a new email scam that uses failed banks as a ploy.

One major story that has been in the news headlines the past few months is that of various banks failing and being closed by regulatory agencies. Typically the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, also known as the FDIC, steps in as a receiver and assumes the deposits to protect bank customers.

The con artists have followed the stories and have come up with a new e-mail phishing scam to try to steal your information. Take a look at what's hitting area email boxes, even ours at your Better Business Bureau!

You have received this message because you are a holder of a FDIC-insured bank account.

Recently FDIC has officially named the bank you have opened your account with as a failed bank, thus, taking control of its assets.
You need to visit the official FDIC website and perform the following steps to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage:

  • Visit FDIC website: http://www.fdic.gov/bankinsured/failed/personalfile/holder.php?email=heatherbbb@lexbbb.com
  • Download and open your personal FDIC Insurance File to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage

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Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The e-mail carries the FDIC logo. It tells you that you got the message because you are a holder of and FDIC-insured account, and your bank has failed. The e-mail offers a link to what is allegedly the FDIC website to check your "deposit coverage."

We followed the link…and it took us to a website that appeared to be that of the FDIC. It instructed me to download some files with my Deposit Insurance Coverage.

The FDIC has issued a warning that if you receive this email, do NOT follow the links. They say the email and website are fraudulent. Opening the links in the fake website could allow the con artist to collect your personal information or even access to online banking services.

The FDIC does NOT e-mail consumers. If they notify you of a bank failure, it's in writing. If you get an e-mail like this one….don't fall for it!

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Be a "Don’t Fall for It!" informant! If you have something to share you believe may be a fraudulent offer or scam, please let the BBB know! Call us at (859) 259-1008 or toll-free, 1-800-866-6668, or email us at info@lexbbb.com.