"Dangerous email alert"

Dangerous email alert

All of us receive emails that we don't want, and unfortunately I can't give you a way that will stop all the junk email that you are receiving. We do have software available that can filter out some of it, but nothing can stop all of it and I don't think it ever will. However some emails need special attention, or maybe a special lack of attention. People are sending emails that will give you viruses, and send you to harmful sites that can still your personal information.

I would like to place some focus on the emails that try to get you to go to a site that is designed to still your information. The email below appears to be sent by a bank; however it is actually sent by a criminal who wants to still your bank account information. When you click on the link it will take you to a site that will ask you for information like your checking account number and routing number, or possibly other information about your accounts. Once you give them this information they will use it to steal all the money out of your account.

Most of the time these people are from other countries so once your money is transferred to an off shore bank account it is impossible to get it back. In the email below it has been written by a person who probably doesn’t speak English and used a translator program to put it into English. That's why it's not very well written. However, some of the better ones will be written proprly and look exactly like something that might come from your bank.

Keep in mind that your bank will never ask you for this information, they already have it. Also, if you get an email that asks you for any personal information, use the phone and call the company, don't ever send the information on the Internet. Call them and make sure they really want the information. If the email has a phone number on it, don't use it until you verify that this is a number that actually goes to your bank, and not to the criminal.

If you look below the email, you will see some other bank logos that I have seen. Keep in mind that these emails are going out for all the major banks, and they don’t know what bank you use, they are simply sending these emails out guessing that they will hit some people who use the bank that they have stolen their logo.

Dear Online User,

We are remind you that on January 31, 2005 our Online Review Team identified some uncommon activity in your online account. In accordance with Wacovia Bank's Agreement and to ensure that your account has not been compromised, access to your checking account was blocked. Your account access will remain limited until this question has been determined. Review Team recommend you to sign on and fulfil the steps necessary to restore your account access immediatelly. If your online access to stay blocked for a long period of time may result in further restrictions on the use of your account and possible account closure.

Login to Online Banking

Wacovia Bank, NA, is committed to supporting a secure environment for our online clients. To protect the safety of your access, employs some of the most progressive security systems in the world and our anti-fraud teams regularly screen the Online Bank system for unusual activity.

This is a safety procedure meant to help protect you and your Debit Card account. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Review Team apologize for misunderstanding.

Yours,

Wacovia Bank, Online Banking Support