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    FBI warns of new banking scam

    January 11, 2012

    Some crafty criminals are aiming to steal one of the most valuable pieces of your personal property: your banking information.

    In a new warning, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warns account holders of a new spam email scheme that involves a type of malware called "Gameover." The scheme involves fake emails from the National Automated Clearing House Association, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC. These messages attempt to trick recipients into clicking on a link to resolve some type of issue with their accounts or a recent ACH transaction. Once you click on the link, Gameover takes over your computer, and thieves can steal usernames, passwords and your money.

    The FBI also warns the thieves' hacking capabilities can navigate around common user authentication methods banks use to verify your identity, which is certainly a cause for concern. Those additional authentication steps -- often personal questions, birth dates or other pieces of private information -- are meant to provide some extra security padding.

    While phishing scams are nothing new to the world of online banking, this type of warning serves as a reminder of just how susceptible account holders can be to malicious attacks. As more account holders begin to jump on the mobile banking bandwagon, it's important to remember that a smartphone essentially acts as another computer. While this additional connection to the Internet is convenient, it also serves as another outlet where your information can be compromised.

    Here are a few crucial steps to take to avoid falling victim to this type of Internet crime.

    * Keep your computer and mobile device updated with the newest versions of anti-virus software.
    * If you have any doubts about an email sender's authenticity, do not click on any embedded links.
    * Remember, banks never request any personal information via email.
    * Be vigilant about checking your account balances. The sooner you notice and report any type of fraudulent activity, the more likely you'll be able to be reimbursed for any missing funds.

    By David McMillin ยท Bankrate.com
    Use Bankrate.com's free tools, expert analysis, and award-winning content to make smarter financial decisions. Explore personal finance topics including credit cards, investments, identity protection, autos, retirement, credit reports, and so much more.
    Last edited by Flamingo; 02-19-2012, 08:19 AM. Reason: Date moved
    The information provided is not, and should not be considered legal advice. All information provided is only informational and should be verified by a law practioner whenever possible. When confronted with legal issues contact an experienced attorney in your state who specializes in the area of law most directly called into question by your particular situation.

    #2
    scary stuff!!

    always something new one needs to constantly watch their back and their computer. thanks for info!
    8/4/2008 MAKE SURE AND VISIT Tobee's Blogs! http://www.bkforum.com/blog.php?32727-tobee43 and all are welcome to bk forum's Florida State Questions and Answers on BK http://www.bkforum.com/group.php?groupid=9

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      #3
      I got one of those emails at work a few months ago. It was pretty crafty. Had me scared for a moment that there was a problem with the direct deposit of my paycheck. And I usually spot an email scam right away. It also got through a spam filter that lets very little through. I forwarded it to our IT security specialist and he thought it was crafty enough to justify warnning the entire firm about.

      Watch what you click on everbody!
      LadyInTheRed is in the black!
      Filed Chap 13 April 2010. Discharged May 2015.
      $143,000 in debt discharged for $36,500, including attorneys fees. Money well spent!

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        #4
        Watch what you click on everybody!
        sometimes easier said than done. i love to click LOL!! but these hackers are getting sneaker by the nanosecond , always coming up with another way to scam or cheat someone. it's a real shame.
        8/4/2008 MAKE SURE AND VISIT Tobee's Blogs! http://www.bkforum.com/blog.php?32727-tobee43 and all are welcome to bk forum's Florida State Questions and Answers on BK http://www.bkforum.com/group.php?groupid=9

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          #5
          Be careful of posting email addresses anywhere on line - in forums or even in private messages as scammers use various ways of gleaning out email addresses out of forums such as these. My hubby belongs to a large hobby forum which recently made a lot of updates and informed all its members to eliminate any email addresses in any postings and also in any private message....and if needing to send an email address to anyone or posting one, use the following as an example.... johnsmith at xyz.com. Many people just don't realize how sophisticated scammers have become and the more information you provide about yourself online, the higher chance you have of getting these scam requests.
          _________________________________________
          Filed 5 Year Chapter 13: April 2002
          Early Buy-Out: April 2006
          Discharge: August 2006

          "A credit card is a snake in your pocket"

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            #6
            I've had the same email forever..... I am getting the same advertising crap relating to my score has changed. As Kim Komando says: "Just don't click". I explored this particular site and noted that the name was the same but the @xxxxx.com was different. They are using email address generators to make up false email URLs. This way blocking them does not work. We will always be stuck with spam.

            BTW if you wish to see the URL of "click here" just hover over the link, but do not click. You may see an executable file at the end of that URL. That is the program that generates the virus.
            If I knew it all, would I be here?? Hang in there = Retained attorney 8-06, Filed 12-28-07, Discharge 8-13-08, Finally CLOSED 11-3-09, 3-31-10 AP Dismissed, Informed by incompetent lawyer of CLOSED status, October 14, 2010.

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