Phishing Attacks!
Although the existance of these types of scams is not new, they are more prevalent now than ever!
If you receive an email message that appears to be from your bank, another financial institution or even possibly COCC it might be a phishing scam! (see the examples at end of this alert) We highly recommend that you do NOT follow the instructions in the email. Especially if they involve clicking on an attachment or visiting a website outside of COCC.
Or, consider calling your bank or going to your bank's website as you normally would and login (do NOT use any information included in the email you received). If your bank is infact trying to contact you they should have relevant information posted on their website. If you can't find relevant information online and you don't know if the email you received is a scam, call your bank and asking them about the message you received by phone.
For more information about the reality of this thread and more information about how it might be encountered, click here for a related article by Gartner.
12/7/2006 Another Example Phishing Email
Email subject example: "Online Banking Alert (Change of Email Adress)". Sample email image.
10/25/2006 Another Phishing email spoofing COCC
W32.Mytob.QU virus is spreading spoofed COCC Abuse email in an attempt to get users to expose their user credentials. More information about Mytob.QU online. Keep in mind this is only one of many similar email threats. Some related phishing articles are available here.
6/09/2006 Free Coupons and More Phishing Alerts
Scam Targets Job Hunters on Careerbuilder.com (more consumeraffairs.com info here)
Free Coupon Scams (Fraud Alert-Coupon Scam Hits Colorado)
4/06/2006 Pop-up Phishing Fraud Alert
New phishing threat running wild. (American Express - "Security Measures")
2/21/2006 Phishing Fraud Alert
New phishing threat running wild. (MasterCard - "Action Required [Ref:212]" - click for more info)
8/30/2005 Phishing SCAMs getting more sophisticated!
Phishing is still as common as ever, but they are working a lot harder on making their email appear more legit! Please continue to be alert and do not trust any bank or personal finance related email!
These are still SCAMS! Click here for a recent example!
7/18/2005 Update
Early 2005 appeared quiet regarding phishing but recent activity has prompted that this alert should be redisplayed. Please be aware of phishing email messages involving eBay and PayPal as well as similar bank messages as discussed below!
12/15/2004 Update
Read "5 Steps To Keep From Being Victimized By Phishing Scams" from About.com.
11/23/2004 Update
Phishing Victims Still Learning the Hard Way (19/18 November 2004)
A compelling series of three articles about phishing include interviews with nearly a dozen phishing victims underscores the rampant growth of these attacks and what steps are being taken to mitigate the problem.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A59347-2004Nov18?language=printer
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A59349-2004Nov18?language=printer
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A61916-2004Nov19?language=printer
11/17/20004 Update
An interesting new product is coming soon from Webroot Software called Phish Net to help warn users about Phishing attacks.
Example attacks are known to include Citibank, PayPal, eBay, SunTrust, Wells Fargo, Washington Mutual, Smith Barney, and surely more!
Citibank Phishing Example
Wells Fargo Phishing Example
Washington Mutual Phishing Example
National Credit Union Phishing Example