Associated Bank Customers Attacked by Phishing Scam

Associated Bank is cautioning its customers in Illinois and Wisconsin about a new phishing scam, as reported by wisn on January 9, 2009.

In a phishing scam, hackers try to persuade users that their financial organizations require private details from them to check their identity. They (hackers) send mails or messages carrying the logo or look of the organization to make them appear legitimate, same has happened in the case of Associated Bank.

Associated Bank states that some customers have been contacted by hackers in the last few days through mails or messages. Consumer Protection Office Authorities said that they had received almost 20 complaints about the scam. They were also told that the attackers had been sending the mails containing same words to both customers and non-customers.

Therefore, the Bank issued an alert saying that the mail is not sent from the Bank and it is the hackers' job. The Bank also claimed that it is very crucial for customers to understand that no bank will ever ask for PIN number, credit card number or password for checking their identity, an important and strong indicator of identifying a phishing scam.

Associated Bank also informed that they want to caution everyone to be careful of this scam so that they can take precaution if they get the same text message or mail.

The Bank further said that the consumers can identify these mails as they are likely to have the subject line "Alert". The message further reveals that account of the customer with Associated Bank has been closed because of some unusual activity and directs him to contact at a given phone number.

It is known that Wisconsin Bankers Association and Madison Police are investigating the case. Officials from Associated Bank said that if customers have revealed details due to this scam or they have any queries, they can contact the nearest Associated Bank Office or the Customer Care Center of the Bank at 800-236-8866.

Lastly, the Bank suggests users to visit its sites www.anitphishing.org, www.associatedbank.com, www.ftc.gov or www.fdic.gov to know more about phishing related risks.

Related article: August Finds New Additions to Malware

» SPAMfighter News - 1/20/2009