FDIC Warns of Deposit Insurance Fraudulent e-mail

WASHINGTON-The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued a consumer alert to bank CEOs recently explaining that some fraudsters have been requesting personal financial information via e-mail in the insurer’s name. The fraudulent e-mails are being sent to financial institution customers claiming to be from the FDIC seeking account information in relation to a possible USA PATRIOT Act violation. The e-mails claim that deposit insurance has been suspended on the customers’ accounts until personal information, including bank account information, is provided. Consumers are being warned not to access the link in the e-mail or provide personal information. FDIC Director of Supervision and Consumer Protection Michael J. Zamorski said the agency is trying to track down the source of the e-mails and interrupt their transmission. Until then, consumers should notify FDIC of occurrences through [email protected]. Around noon on Jan. 23, the FDIC Consumer Call Centers in Kansas City, Mo. and Washington, D.C. were flooded with complaints from consumers who received the e-mail.