Fake Emails and Letters Sent by Imposter Virus Protection Agencies
Article Information Provided by McAfee
Scammers target individuals through fake emails and letters that look as if they've been sent from an established and legitimate company. Their goal is to get you to reveal your private and sensitive information such as your credit card details, date of birth, social security number, and more.
There are many ways that you can spot a scam. For example, the letters and emails often include spelling and grammar mistakes, or suspicious links and attachments. Many also include a statement of urgency and request that you contact the company immediately to provide additional sensitive information.
We've recently seen an increase in scammers pretending to be virus protection agencies, such as Norton or McAfee. These letters imply that a renewal fee has been charged to your bank account. In many cases, the individuals receiving the letter have no affiliation with these companies or have used them in the past. Please be aware that these letters and emails, in most cases, are scams.
What to do if you receive a suspicious email or letter?
We understand that receiving a letter stating that hundreds of dollars in fees have processed your account can be alarming. Here's a few ways you can ensure you're dealing with a legitimate situation and prevent future fraud from processing your account.
- Many of these emails and letters will provide you with a handy number or email to contact the company for more information. Instead of using the referenced contact information, please visit the official agency website and retrieve any contact information directly from their website. Never use contact information provided to you via email or by letter.
- Sign-up for CSB Online Banking and Mobile Banking so that you are able to check your account any where and at any time. It's important to stay up-to-date on your CSB bank accounts!
- Sign-up for Account Alerts and be notified via push notification or email as transactions are processing your account.
- Never give sensitive information over the phone or to someone you don't know. When in doubt, don't call or hang up.
- If you have doubts about a letter or email that you've received claiming to be from a virus protection agency, please reach out to that agency directly or contact one of our Universal Bankers.