It doesn’t matter where you live. If you have an Internet connection, you are at risk. Let me explain…

I recently received two emails.  They are known as “phishing” emails:  The people who sent them are “Phishing” (fishing) for personal info. We have all worked too long and too hard to be taken advantage of by these crooks!   

One rather easy way to tell a scam – check all the misspelled words – funny! They are not only crooks, they are ignorant crooks.

HERE’S AN EXAMPLE:

“CAUTION: On October 1, we will be moving to a new Internet Banking system.

You will need to print any previous records (statements, cancelled checks, Bill Pay information, etc.) you wish to retain since they will not move to the new service. Your Internet Banking access will resume on Monday, October 1. Payments with a scheduled payment date of October 1 or before will be processed and should not be resubmitted. Any payment scheduled for payment after October 1 will not be processed and other payment arrangements should be made. If you previously had e-bills or payees setup with Bill Pay, Wire, Ach, etc., you will need to re-apply for the service, and re-enter the bill payment information on the new system starting October 1. If you have any questions about your Internet Banking service or our merger, please feel free to call us at 1-xxxxxxxxxxxx. All information you provide to us on our web site is encrypted to ensure your privacy and security.”

AND ANOTHER:

“You have received this E-mail because you or someone else had used your Account from different locations.  For security purposes, we required to open an investigation on this matter.  In order to safeguard your Account , we require you to change your xxxx Password and confirm you Banking Details. To help speeding up this process , please access the fallowing link so we can complete verification form Online.  To get started, please click the link below: (and they list a URL)  xxxxxxxxxxx.xx Please note:  If we do not receive the appropriate Account Verification within 48 hours, we will assume this xxxxxx Credit Card Account is fraudulent and it will be suspended. The purpose of this Verification is to ensure that your xxxxxx has not been fraudulently used and to combat fraud from our Community.”  

THESE ARE BOTH SCAMS!!!!!!!    Do not even answer emails like these.  Somehow, they will ask for some personal information, etc.  Then, look out – you too may lose your financial identity!

And there are many, many more emails out there, being delivered to unsuspecting folks everyday – be on your toes – DO NOT BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BY THESE CROOKS!