Virus: FDIC notice of bank failure.
Example: [Collected via e-mail, October 2009]
FDIC has officially named your bank a failed bank
You have received this message because you are a 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.
You need to visit the official FDIC website and perform the following
steps to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage:
Origins: In October 2009, Internet users began receiving
However, the link embedded in the e-mail led not to the real FDIC web site, but to a spoof web site. Attempting to download the proffered file from that site could initiate the installation of malware on the user's computer (presumably to collect sensitive personal information):
The real FDIC put up an alert to warn consumers about this fraudulent mailing:
The subject line of the e-mail states: "check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage." The control of its assets." The e-mail then asks recipients to "visit the official FDIC website and perform the following steps to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage" (a fraudulent link is provided). It then instructs recipients to "download and open your personal FDIC Insurance File to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage." This e-mail and associated Web site are fraudulent. Recipients should consider the intent of this e-mail as an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, some of which may be used to gain unauthorized access to The FDIC does not issue unsolicited e-mails to consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT follow the link in the fraudulent
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of a fraudulent e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC.
Last updated: 28 October 2009
