E-mail scam taps antiterrorist push, says FDIC

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And heeeeeere we go again!

It's back! The ol' "Unless you go to the website NOW, your account will be in serious trouble"-type message!

This kind of brings to mind when I was a kid, and I would try the latest sugar cereal, only to be disappointed because it tastes just like "Cap'n Crunch" -- just in a different shape. My grandmother would roll her eyes and say, "Good Lord...how many more shapes can they think of??"

Well, whatever the original e-mail scam was -- that was Cap'n Crunch, and everything else is pretty much the same thing, just in another shape.

Come on, everyone! Like the Four Tops once sang: "It's the same ole song..." I mean, it's the same scenario each time: You get an e-mail message, which often has the spelling that could be topped by a first-grader. You decide to click on the link anyway, which takes you to the site of the so-called institution (such as the "FDIC"). You get a form with personal information to fill out, even though many institutions would NEVER require you to fill out this type of information. Of course, the site won't start with an "https:" -- hey, that security stuff is just a nuisance...right? Finally, the best part comes...BAM!! You just sent some total stranger vital information which will give them their free ride into your bank accounts; maybe even a clear path to expand "your" accounts in the form of a new credit card or two.

As far as I know, institutions will not contact users via e-mail if there is such a problem with an account. They may freeze the account if the institution suspects unusual activity happening. But then it's up to the individual to call the institution to find out what's happening. Or, if there are important changes which will take place, an institution will most likely notify you when you receive your monthly statement.

Oh well. I guess as long as people are willing to fall for these scams, the scam artists will just keep right on going; it may take a while before they run out of shapes!

What happened to the good ol' days...you know, the days when you got that chain letter (from a "bona fide lawyer") that Microsoft will pay you $45 if you do a survey for them.

As I always say -- please be careful out there; see you all after the next scam!

Posted by: X Marks The Spot   Posted on: 01/23/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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