Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
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• Alex’s got a text message that showed a blocked transaction on his bank account.
• In looking at the text message, Alex immediately knew he didn’t do a Zelle transaction and replied Yes to the text message.
• Immediately, Alex received a phone call from Megan, who claims to work for HOMEBANK’s Fraud Department. Megan informed Alex she could take care of the unauthorized transaction, she would just need for him to share his Online Banking login credentials and a code being sent to his phone.
• Alex shared his login information and the code received on his phone. Megan, who really does not work for HOMEBANK, then proceeded to access Alex’s Online Banking and change his username, password, phone number, and email address. Alex was now locked out of his Online Banking Profile.
• Megan was in full control and could access Alex’s Online Banking profile. Megan began setting up transfers from Alex’s account to an illicit bank account at another financial institution, now stealing the funds in Alex’s account.
• Alex was still on the phone with Megan while the transfers were occurring. When Alex attempted to log in to his Online Banking and couldn’t, he began questioning Megan. Megan then stated if Alex would purchase 2 – $500.00 Target gift cards at Walgreens and provide the information to a different phone number, he would gain access back to his Online Banking.
• Alex went to Walgreens and purchased the gift cards as requested. He sent the access codes to Megan.
• Text messages received to confirm transactions are not legitimate.
• Phone call received within seconds of responding to text message.
• A bank should not need to log into your Online Banking profile to access anything.
• STOP communicating with the individual.
• CALL your bank directly if you have questions about your account.
• NEVER give out your Online Banking login information to anyone.
• NEVER purchase gift cards unless they are truly a gift and you are physically giving the cards to the individual.
• NEVER respond to text messages from unknown numbers.
• COMMUNICATE with your financial institution.