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AREA RESIDENTS HIT BY "PHISHING" SCAM
Friday, April 29th, 2005 -- 8:49 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
Folks in the area are being put on the lookout for an internet scam that has already claimed two victims here in Neillsville. According to Neillsville Police Chief Brad Lindner, there have been "phony" emails sent to people asking for personal financial information. It's called "phishing".
The emails appear to be from reputable financial institutions and may even provide a link to a website that looks exactly like that institution's website. Once there, you are asked to give your Social Security information, account information, PIN number or password.
"The two complaints we're dealing with deal with Associated Bank." Lindner says. "This email asks for people to respond and verify their accounting information (or) their accounts will be put on hold. Money was withdrawn from their ATM debit cards the same day they responded."
The withdrawls took place in Russia, Lindner says.
In fact, one Neillsville resident was recently scammed out of $1,100; another out of $500. Lindner says reputable institutions will never ask for this information via email or telephone, and you shouldn't respond.
If you received such an email and already responded, you should watch your accounts closely, contact your financial institution and the Federal Trade Commission. You can learn more about "phishing" at Associatedbank.com.
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