I went to check my e-mail and I had four messages from Bank of America saying I had been locked out of my account. This is exactly what the e-mail said:
“Bank of America Alert Remember: Always look for your SiteKey before you enter your passcode during Sign In » Online Banking Account Is Locked ! You last logged in to Online Banking: For your security, access to Online Banking has been locked because the number of attempts to sign in exceeded the number allowed. To regain access, you must reset your Passcode. Please visit https://sitekey.bankofamerica.com/sas/signon.do and update your information. Your security is important to us. If you are not aware of this situation, please contact us immediately at 1.800.933.6262. This alert relates to your Online Banking profile, rather than a particular account. The account listed here is for verification purposes only. Want to get more alerts? Sign in to your online banking account at Bank of America and within the Accounts Overview page select the "Alerts" tab. 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. Bank of America, Member FDIC. © 2008 Bank of America Corporation. All Rights Reserved.”
This looked pretty professional (look yourself if you like) so I went to the website link provided. It has been a long time since I have done anything with BOA so, even though it looked right, I closed out of the website and opted to call the number. My trouble alarms were going off and when the machine picked up requesting that I state my tax ID or social I quickly hung up. I could not ignore the sounds of my brain. I decided to go searching for my card since I knew those numbers were safe. When I called the lady was nice and after a few minutes informed me that they did not have a e-mail address for either of my accounts.
She said it was a phishing scam targeted to BOA customers and to forward the-mails to abuse@bankofamerica.com. This is the address to their fraud investigators. I did the right thing, many do not, and that is why the thieves keep fishing. Let this be a warning. I was half a second away from getting my ID and/or accounts high jacked. Never, I mean never, give your info out over the phone. If the request or questions seem odd or does not seem exactly right, error on the side of caution. Call from a safe number like those on your bills or the back of your card. Have the online address saved to your favorites list that way you know you have the right place, still be hesitant.
Cards are no longer a safer option from cash. Be careful ProUers!
They just e-mail me some tips and other good ifno for next time:
Stay safe from Phishing: Easy clues to help you keep your personal information secure.
The main goal of a phishing email is to get you to a site where you will provide your personal information. With these basic, but powerful, clues, you can easily recognize the threat and ensure the safety of your identity and finances.
1. Does the email ask you to go to a website and verify personal information? We won't ask you to verify your personal information in response to an email.
2. What is the tone of the mail? Most phish emails convey a sense of urgency by threatening discontinued service or information loss if you don't take immediate action.
3. What is the quality of the email? Many phish emails have misspellings, bad grammar, or poor punctuation.
4. Are the links in the email valid? Deceptive links in phishing emails look like they are to a valid site, but deliver you to a fraudulent one. Many times you can see if the link is legitimate by just moving your mouse over the link.
5. Is the email personalized with your name and applicable account information? Many phish emails use generic salutations and generic information (e.g. "Dear Customer" or "Dear Account Holder") instead of your name.
6. What is the sender's email address? Many phish emails come from an email address not from the company represented in the email.
7. When in doubt, type it out. If you suspect an email to be phishing, don't click on any links in the email. Type the valid address directly into your web browser.
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That is just unfathomable.
I always heard of phishing through myspace.
How sneaky is that to do with your accounts
CommentOpportunity
There were always in me, two women at least,
one woman desperate and bewildered,
who felt she was drowning and another who
would leap into a scene, as upon a stage,
conceal her true emotions because they
were weaknesses, helplessness, despair,
and
it's crazy how phishers can manage to make such authentic looking sites! I wrote a blog about online security earlier. I will probably post it tomorrow.
Find out everything you need to know about poop here:
http://progressiveu.org/000701-everything-you-need-know-about-poop