The Scammers Are Phishing Again

February 15, 2010

By John Newcomer:

I got an email the other day from Wachovia Bank alerting me to some unusual activity in my account. The bank warned me that I would have limited access to my account until this issue was resolved. A helpful link was provided so that I could log onto my account and clear up the “unusual activity.” There was only one tiny problem. I don’t have an account with Wachovia.

This is what is known as a Phishing Scam. Phishing comes from the techies who replace “Ph” for the letter “F”. What the scammers are doing is “fishing” for private information, so they can get steal your credit card number or bank account. In some cases, they are looking to steal your identity.

Don’t Get Duped

The scammers are good. The email looks very official, logo and all, and the internet address is service@wachovia.com. It must be real, right? No, it is a SCAM. Legitimate banks may bombard you with offers, but they will NEVER ask for personal or banking information on the internet. If you have any doubt about the Phishing email, call the bank directly or go onto its official site and make an inquiry. NEVER click on the link in the email.

What should you do if you receive an email like this? You should forward the spam to the FTC at spam@uce.gov and report it to the bank impersonated in the phishing email. Then hit the Delete Key.

Never, ever answer the email and provide banking or personal information.