Fraud Alert – FDIC E-mails

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has become aware of emails appearing to be sent from the FDIC that are asking recipients to download and open a “personal FDIC insurance file” to check their deposit insurance coverage.  These e-mails are fraudulent and were not sent by the FDIC.  The FDIC is attempting to identify the source of the e-mails and disrupt the transmission.

Currently, the subject line of the fraudulent e-mails includes the wording “check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage.” The e-mails state:  “You have received this message because you are the holder of a FDIC-insured bank account. Recently FDIC has officially named the bank you have opened your account with as a failed bank, thus, taking control of its assets.”

The e-mails ask recipients to “visit the official FDIC website” by clicking on a hyperlink provided, which appears to be related to the FDIC and directs recipients to a fraudulent website.  The website includes hyperlinks that appear to open forms.  However, it is believed that clicking on the hyperlinks will cause an unknown executable file to be downloaded.  While the FDIC is working with the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) to determine the exact effects of the executable files, recipients should consider the intent of the software as a malicious attempt to collect personal or confidential information, some of which may be used to gain unauthorized access to online banking services or to conduct identity theft.  Financial institutions and consumers should NOT access the website or download the executable files provided on the website.