E-mail scams no October surprise

October 20, 1:07 PMScam ExaminerKarin Malchow

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This month, some recurring e-mail scams include newsworthy events, the promise of extra cash, and the ever-popular fear factor.

Many consumers (including the Scam Examiner) feared an identity theft scam after receiving mailed letters starting in March reporting BNY Mellon Shareholder Services losing data storage tapes.  Unfortunately, the event was real.  A new wave of real letters issued starting late August upped the affected investors from 4 million to 12 million.

No surprise phishers exploited the news.  They are sending out e-mails claiming BNY Mellon needs a detailed form submitted.

BNY Mellon has not contacted shareholders by e-mail regarding this incident or requested account information. 

Another recent e-mail scam promises quick money (no surprise there), but with an interesting twist.  The amount is modest (usually $100) and purports to be a payroll bonus.  It directs you to a phony website that asks for credit card information, presumably to credit the bonus. 

Do not follow links on unsolicited e-mails.  Contact your employer directly.

As to fear, recent scams target both the financial crisis and terrorism.  There's the perennial "your bank account needs updating" phishing scam, adding the threat that account information is required due to the bank's potential failure or acquisition. 

The FDIC reports e-mails using its name claim money transferred into the recipient's account was stolen.  This one has malware in the attachment.

The FBI  recently issued a warning that their agency and actual officials' names are being used to mask classic Nigerian scams.  Some e-mails threaten that agents are investigating the recipient's recent deposits as laundering money for terrorists, requesting bank information. 

Never open these attachments.  Better yet, never open these e-mails.  Government agencies never contact people through unsolicited e-mail. (One would assume an FBI investigation would be more forceful.)