This is not my blog.

I got this oldie but goodie in my inbox this weekend. It's a great example of phishing. I thought about how appropriately timed it was to hit all of those people who would be caught up in the Black Friday / Cyber Monday stuff. Not only is it bogus and dressed up with all the images (which I didn't include here) to look official but it even says the thing about not contacting them via email because of security.

Of course, a real email from a bank would not have a link to go to your account like this one does (including one on the side of the email that I didn't copy). I particularly like how this one even invokes terrorism as a way to scare someone into responding lest they get pegged as being connected to terrorist activities. Mon dieu! Just be sure that if you ever get such an email that you DON'T CLICK ANY OF THE LINKS or CALL ANY OF THE NUMBERS. Just go log into your account or call your bank the way that you always do to verify it.

Here it is:

Account Alert - Action Required

Dear jedijawa,

We regret to inform you, that we had to freeze your Bank of America account because we have been notified that your account may have been compromised by outside parties.

Our terms and conditions you agreed to state that your account must always be under your control or those you designate at all times. We have noticed some activity related to your account that indicates that other parties may have access and or control of your information in your account.

These parties have in the past been involved with money laundering, illegal drugs, terrorism and various Federal Title 18 violations. In order that you may access your account we must verify your identity by clicking on the link below.

Please be aware that until we can verify your identity no further access to your account will be allowed and we will have no other liability for your account or any transactions that may have occurred as a result of your failure to reactivate your account as instructed below.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

bogus website address

Before you reactivate your account, all payments have been frozen, and you will not be able to use your account in any way until we have verified your identity.

Because email is not a secure form of communication, please do not reply to this email. If you have any questions about your account or need assistance, please call the phone number on your statement or go to Contact Us at www.bankofamerica.com.

Labels: myths, news