Phishing Scam Targets Financial Institutions Making News Headlines

Security researchers said that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) based in the US is cautioning customers, companies and financial organizations about fake mails allegedly from financial institutions that have become the subject of news stories lately.

Security researchers further said that phishing mails often include news about bank merger, takeovers and failures to create an atmosphere of urgency and requesting details. These kinds of fake mails ask users to confirm login details, update private details, or activate latest security features.

Meanwhile, in the current fake mail, security experts claim that it has been sent by CEO of the fake business company with a fake subject line - "Phishing Scams involving financial institutions in the news".

Security experts comment that it is very natural that such mails create panic among users and encourage them to click on the fake link attached in the scam mail.

Further, as per security experts, users should not follow the attached links in the unsolicited mails. Rather, they advise users to use Web browser bookmarks or type the Web address of the institution in the browser address bar when accessing their bank site or online banking features.

Also, FDIC said that customers should be vigilant enough because hackers who send the phishing mails employ latest and innovative methods to deceive users into divulging their log-in information and personal details and to install malicious code.

Further, above-mentioned e-mail was circulating among the inboxes of FDIC members in the last week of October 2008. Reports received from the FDIC agency in the first week of October 2008 said that a phishing mail with the subject line - Funds Wired into your accounts are stolen - was circulating among FDIC members and it also carried a harmful link.

Reports also revealed that this is not the first time that FDIC members were attacked by a phishing scam. FDIC claimed that their customers were also targeted somewhere in April 2004.

Related article: Phishing With A Redirector Code

» SPAMfighter News - 11/15/2008