« Back to Blog

Beware of Bank Impersonation Scams 

Hey UMe community! 🌟 

Lately, cybercriminals have been sending out phishing emails that claim to be from various banking organizations. Their goal? To trick you into clicking on malicious links by pretending  

to be your trusted bank – or credit union! These emails might look different depending on which bank they’re impersonating, but they all have one thing in common: a sense of urgency and a call to action to download an attachment – which is always something to be wary of! 

Here’s how the scam works 

These phishing emails might seem legitimate, featuring the bank’s logo and urgent messages about your account. But beware! They contain a link to an attachment. Clicking on it will download a file that shows a clickable PDF logo. If you click on this image, malware will start installing on your device. 

What Does the Malware Do? 

This sneaky malware can be really dangerous. It will likely: 

  • Collect personal and financial data 
  • Steal email addresses from your inbox 
  • Send similar phishing emails to all your contacts 

Stay Safe with These Tips: 

  1. Pause Before You Click: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to trick you. If you receive an unexpected email, take a moment to think before you click any links. 
  1. Verify with Your Bank: If the email claims to be from your bank, don’t click the link. Instead, contact your bank directly to verify if any action is needed. 
  1. Keep Your Software Updated: Follow your organization’s guidelines on security updates and antivirus software. Keeping your software up to date helps protect your device from malware. 

At UMe, we really care about your security. Always be cautious with unexpected emails, especially those asking for urgent action. If U ever have any doubts or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help! 😊 

Remember, we’re all in this together! Stay smart and keep those cybercriminals at bay, 

Your friends at UMe 💜 

 

Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!