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The U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and at least one bank are warning that an email phishing campaign has been detected in which potential victims are being told that their bank accounts have been suspended because of violations of the Patriot Act and they are asked for their identity and account information.

The special alert from the Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection said:

“The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports from consumers who received an e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The e-mail informs the recipient that ‘in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, federal, state and local governments…’ the FDIC has withdrawn deposit insurance from the recipient’s account ‘due to account activity that violates the Patriot Act.’ It further states deposit insurance will remain suspended until identity and account information can be verified using a system called ‘IDVerify.’ If consumers go to the link provided in the e-mail, it is suspected they will be asked for personal or confidential information, or malicious software may be loaded onto the recipient’s computer.”

Tom Kelchner