Consider this:
You get an email from a computer antivirus company stating that a $487 subscription fee will be charged to your debit card on file. You don’t remember the purchase, but at first glance the email looks legitimate. It states to call the number below within four hours to cancel. In a panic, you call and an agent from “the company” answers.
They can offer a refund and they instruct you to download an application for a transaction reversal. They claim that they sent you money, but sent $4,870 instead of $487. The agent starts to panic, saying they hit the wrong button and that they will be fired if you don’t send back the difference.
They send instructions for a wire transfer or instant pay app and you send $4,383 to make up the difference.
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What you didn’t realize is that the email and agent were fraudulent and the money sent was likely from a stolen credit card or they took control of your device, and the transactions will be deducted from your account and the money will be gone forever to a scammer.
Before you act:
- Check the email address. It may look unusual or be from a common email provider such as Gmail or Yahoo.
- Check your own bank accounts to make sure no actual charges have gone through. It is very likely the scammer doesn’t have your card information, but they are hoping you panic before checking.
- Never give out your card number, account number or online banking username, password or access code.
- Do not click any links, download applications or call numbers provided in the email. Instead, go online and find the company’s legitimate website separately and use a verified phone number.
- If it seems to be a scam, delete the email and don’t respond.
Fraudsters generally imply a sense of urgency. If you are ever unsure if an email is legitimate, don’t feel rushed and take the time to evaluate the information carefully.
If you are a MVSB customer and you are concerned your personal or financial information was compromised due to an email phishing scam, please call us directly at 800.922.6872 so that we can assist you with protecting your accounts and identity.
