Fraud

PULSE Fraud Bulletin

June 18, 2009

PULSE has been made aware of a fraudulent e-mail notification scam. Some cardholders may have received an e-mail notification similar to the one below. Cardholders should be reminded that financial institutions will not request account holder information via e-mail or over the phone.

The notice below was copied from the original e-mail. Be on alert for "red flags" shown here, such as unusual capitalization, incorrect grammar, misspelled words and an unfamiliar card name or issuer location.

Dear InterSwitch Card Holder,

Due to changes made on our website and our security servers, you've been required to register/re-activate all your ATM card's Online Immediately for security reasons, this update/registration will help us prevent your ATM card's from ATM theft and fraudulent activities.

Please Register your ATM Card information's by visiting our website at www.webpay.interswitchng.com/update-accounts and verify all the necessary information's requested.

If your ATM/DEBIT Card information is not updated within 48 to 72 hours then your ability to access your account will become restricted.

Note: Card Number (printed on card issued by bank) and Pin are numeric. Refer to your Debit and/or Cash Cards.

Thank you.

InterSwitch Limited
Plot 1648C Oko-Awo Close
Victoria Island, LagosNigeria
P.M.B. 80164, Victoria Island.

If any additional information becomes available on this incident, PULSE will provide you with an update.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the PULSE Fraud Management Department at 800-420-2122 or by e-mail: debitprotect@pulsenetwork.com.

SBA Warns About Scam to Obtain Bank Account Information
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is warning small businesses nationwide to be cautious of fraudulent letters asking for their bank account information. The letters, which have a fake letterhead similar to that of the SBA, state that the agency needs to assess their eligibility for a tax rebate under the economic stimulus law. Small business owners should not give out their bank's name or account information.  SBA press release.
 

What is an e-mail scam?
Who should I contact if I suspect suspicious activity or communication?

What is an e-mail scam?
Be Aware of E-mail Scams
Criminals are soliciting customers by E-mail in an effort to illegally obtain personal information. The e-mail address and the Web site address may appear almost identical to those of legitimate financial institutions. The email will claim that there is a problem with an account and will provide a link to a site that may look authentic. You will be asked to input personal information such as bank account numbers, PINs and a Social Security Number. These e-mails attempt to trick customers into supplying sensitive personal data. This fraudulent practice is often called "phishing" or "spoofing". Contact your real financial institution's Web site or call them directly.

IMPORTANT: If you receive an e-mail requesting personal information, you should not provide it or click on a link - even if it looks like the request comes from a legitimate Web site.

Below is a sample phishing e-mail recently sent to another bank's customers:

Subject: Found error! Please resubmit ABC Bank
Security Key: dlruzfujrkszkq45j634bs7muof

Dear Customer: During our regular update and verification of the Internet Banking Accounts, we could not verify your current information. Either your information has been changed or incomplete, as a result your access to use our services has been limited. Please update your information. To update your account information and start using our services please click on the link below: http://www.bankabc.com.

Note: Requests for information will be initiated by National Exchange Bank & Trust Business Development; this process cannot be externally requested through Customer Support.

Sincerely, ABC Bank Accounts Department.

Who should I contact if I suspect suspicious activity or communication?
Contact National Exchange Bank & Trust Customer Service immediately at your local office or at 920-921-7700 if you suspect Identity theft or fraud involving any of your National Exchange Bank & Trust accounts.

Other Important Contact Information.
Equifax
Fraud Line: 800.525.6285

Experian
Fraud Line: 888.397.3742

Trans Union
Fraud Line: 800.680.7289

Federal Trade Commission
Fraud Line: 877.IDTHEFT

Other Links:
How Not to Get Hooked
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt127.shtm

How to be a Safe Internet User
http://www.antiphishing.org/consumer_recs.html

When Bad things Happen to your Good Name
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.shtm

Government Resources for Combating Identity Theft
http://www.idtheft.gov/

Security tips from the national security alliance
http://www.staysafeonline.info/