Scenario: This is how the scam works
- You sign into your online banking on your computer
- A pop-up asks for your email address and phone number (this looks unusual, but you comply)
- Immediately, the phone rings. The caller with an accent says your bank has been hacked by a bank employee who is laundering money overseas.
- The caller asks for the last 4 digits of your social security number and you resist. Through intimidation and stressing urgency (“I am working for you; trust me”), you give it to him.
- The caller asks you go to your bank and withdraw $30,000 from a teller.
- On the way to the bank, a text informs you that $15,000 has been moved from checking to savings.
- At the bank, you show the text message to a teller, who shakes her head NO. You suggest a 3-way call with the teller, the scammer and you. The caller shouts NO and hangs up.
Solution and Remediation: This is what you do after the scam
- The bank opens new accounts, transfers your money to the new account and closes the compromised account, and gives you a list of automatic transactions for these accounts.
- The bank notifies the local police of the fraud and you give a statement.
- You go to your other banks and do the same.
- Your cell phone carrier checks the security of your phone – ok.
- Your computer tech checks the security of your computer – ok.
- You call the list of companies and pensions authorized to make automatic deposits and withdrawals, and give them your new account routing and account numbers.
- You change your online banking passwords.
- You lock your information with the three credit reporting agencies, so the scammer cannot open new accounts in your name.
Prevention: This is how you prevent the scam
If the process for logging into your online banking seems different, stop.
- Check the URL line of the webpage.
- If it is not your bank’s website, close your browser.
- If you have already signed in with your account and password, immediately go to your online banking website again, and change your password.
Warning:
- Do not fall for this banking scam, nor give away any personal information to unknown strange callers or pop-up windows.
- Be glad not to lose any money and protecting your identity, by listening to your internal instinct.
I am committed to protect your computers at an affordable price. Thank you for trusting me to keep your computers healthy. Contact us at 239-567-0104 when it is time to renew your protection software, to arrange for Learn Computer training, or if you need computer and internet help.
Be well.
By Linda Lindquist, October 9, 2023
