FDIC phishing emails use Patriot Act scare tactic

Fraudulent emails claiming to come from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) are attempting to trick users into handing over their sensitive personal information, the agency said in a warning issued Wednesday to clients and customers. The messages claim that the FDIC has withdrawn deposit insurance from the targeted user's account "due to account activity that violates the Patriot Act." Recipients are directed to follow a link included in the message that could lead to phishing sites or malware, the agency said. Financial institutions and consumers should not follow the link or provide any personal information. – AM