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Maine.gov > PFR Home > Bureau of Financial Institutions > Press Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   Contact: Lloyd P. LaFountain III
April 14, 2009                                                    207-624-8575

 

Maine’s Bureau of Financial Institutions Issues Warning
About New Phishing Attempts Targeting Maine Consumers

GARDINER, MAINE – The Bureau of Financial Institutions warned consumers on Tuesday about phony telephone calls, automated messages and e-mail that purport to be from legitimate banks and credit unions.  Known as “phishing” when e-mail is used and “vishing” when it’s conducted through telephone calls, this fraudulent activity attempts to acquire sensitive information, such as passwords or pin numbers, for use in accessing financial accounts.  The Bureau has been made aware of recent activity targeting customers of at least three Maine-based financial institutions.  Non-customers have also received the messages.

“Although most consumers have become aware of phishing scams, the calls and e-mails can seem entirely legitimate,” commented Lloyd P. LaFountain III, Superintendent of the Bureau of Financial Institutions.  “This activity can catch any of us off-guard and before we know it, personal information has been shared.  We should remind ourselves and others that banks and credit unions do not typically send out mass e-mail or automated voicemail messages in which personal financial information is requested.”

In issuing its warning, the Bureau indicated that phony messages being received by consumers within the past few weeks suggest they are being sent by legitimate banks with locations in Maine.  These messages often indicate that identifying information is needed to reactivate or correct an account.  Some of the e-mails in the past have included a website link that appears to be affiliated with a bank, but has no association with the company and is fraudulent.

The Bureau urges consumers to confirm the authenticity of all unsolicited messages from their financial institution.  Additionally, the Bureau recommends that consumers:

  1. Never provide personal information, including financial account details and Social Security Numbers, to anyone unknown to them.
  2. Use great caution before providing personal information that could be used to access financial accounts through e-mail or the Internet.
  3. Never provide account information over the phone when contacted unexpectedly by someone claiming to be from a bank or credit union; follow up with the institution by phone or in person.
  4. Safeguard passwords, pin numbers and other account-accessing details or codes; never write that information on credit/debit cards or carry in a wallet or purse.
  5. Contact the Bureau to report potential fraud; to obtain more details about Financial Privacy (www.maine.gov/pfr/privacy_links.htm); or to access the agency’s Consumer Protection Library (www.maine.gov/pfr/financialinstitutions/consumer/library.htm).

 
The Bureau of Financial Institutions is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, which encourages sound ethical business practices through impartial and efficient regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine.  Consumers can reach the Bureau through the Department’s website (www.maine.gov/pfr); by calling 1-800-965-5235 or writing Bureau of Financial Institutions, 36 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.

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Last Updated: September 15, 2011