By Dave Hansen
MASON CITY, IA—A North Iowa bank is warning its online customers about an internet e-mail scam and urging them not to click on an attached link.
In an e-mailed advisory, First Citizens National Bank Senior Vice-President Gregg Maakestad wrote that they are “aware of an email phishing scam.”
Maakestad described it as “spoofed” to make it look like it is coming from his bank and is signed by someone identifying themselves as “Security Protector.”
“It contains bad grammar and was NOT sent by our bank,” wrote Maakestad.
Experts say poor grammar is one of several tip-offs usually found in bogus emails and another is misspellings.
According to Maakestad the attached email “requests confidential banking information which would be sent to cyber criminals.”
Experts caution that it is never a good idea to give out personal or financial information, banking access number, password, or any credit card information to someone you don’t know or haven’t checked out.
“First Citizens will never ask you for this information by e-mail,” wrote Maakestad. “If you believe that you may be a victim or have concerns, please contact us immediately.”
The bank serves several communities in North Iowa and customers with any questions or concerns are being asked to call 1-800-423-1602.
This is a copy of the e-mailed advistory from First Citizens NB
Dear Customer,
We have been made aware of an email phishing scam spoofed to look like it is coming from accountupdate@firstcitizensnb.com. †It is signed by “Security Protector”. †It contains bad grammar and was NOT sent by our bank. The attachment †to the email requests confidential banking information which would be sent to cyber criminals.
Never give out personal or financial information including your internet banking access number, password, or any credit card information to anyone whom you have not verified. †First Citizens will never ask you for this information by e-mail. †If you believe that you may be a victim or have concerns, please contact us immediately.
The website staysafeonline.org is a valuable resource for protecting yourself from scams.
Thank you for staying alert and for banking with us!
Gregg Maakestad, SVP|
