These bank phishing emails are getting convincing. I just got one that looked like it came from my bank, saying my online access was suspended temporarily because of too many incorrect password entries. It asked me to log in and confirm my info.
I could definitely see a lot of people falling for this, but there were some clear red flags:
1. It was sent from some random email account.
2. It was sent to an email that has not been associated with my bank account for a very long time.
@mcfate
Sadly, many people aren't nearly as careful.
This one went with the "we are doing this to protect your account" angle.
I wouldn't care if they offered me a dollar for every nickel I'd ever deposited with 'em.
I've NEVER had my identity stolen.
:: knocks on wood ::
@mcfate
I have. It isn't fun. It wasn't really my fault though. I was a college freshman, buying books in the campus bookstore for my first semester. All I had was a checking account, and the bookstore would only accept a personal check from a student if the student ID was written on the check. Did I mention that my university used your SSN as your ID number? Now it's on a document with my name, address, phone, and signature. But I was 18, and it was either that or no books.
@mcfate
A few months later I'm home for holiday break and get a call from my back asking to confirm a change of address for check mailing to somewhere several blocks off campus. No, definitely not. They shut down my account right away and refer me to the credit bureaus. Turns out this person with a name similar to mine used my info to open lines of credit with a couple computer companies.
It took almost two years to rectify all my credit reports.
Lucky for me, I'm nonexistent as far as the credit-reporting world is concerned. They've never heard of me.
That's the opposite of me. I get credit card apps in the name Kurt Roedeger even though it's not my real name. 🤦♀️
@voltronic @mcfate OMG! I am so sorry.
@voltronic Damn that scammer!
@mcfate
There's some actual value in attempting the "Fair Witness" thing.
"Here's an email which appears to be from my bank."
Also some value in doing your banking through the app: any message of significance will be a notification I can check independently.
@voltronic I have gotten these as well; seems the frequency with which they're sent is rising, too. I could easily see someone less vigilant falling for them.
@voltronic Yea, I've seen some *really* good ones lately (I constantly check my spam folder as gmail is...overly aggressive)
@voltronic
The accountant at our office fell for this. He also sent his own SS and address out to two employees accidentally including me. I bet he wonders why I refused to email him my SS or my bank account information, but hand delivered it on paper instead.
@AkomoCombine @voltronic I sent an email to my older relatives. They’ve fallen for “Your computer has a virus” calls. Smh it’s so hard to convince some that people can and do lie.
@voltronic
Clear red flags:
1. It was sent from some random email account.
2. It was sent to an email that has not been associated with my bank account for a very long time.
Same over here but the email used a logo from the company that processes our rent payments. My Nigerian Prince was a little easier to spot.
@voltronic
I always check the actual "From" address. If it looks legit, I'd use my bank's app to verify that I could still access my account.
I NEVER click on links in ANY email.