Scotiabank customers be aware of the "Online Services Suspended" phishing scam. Cybercriminals are sending out phishing Scotiabank email and text messages like the one below, which claim the recipients' accounts have been temporarily suspended. Therefore, Scotiabank customers who have received similar emails should always go directly to Scotiabank's website at www.scotiabank.com and sign into their accounts, instead of clicking on the link in the same email messages. Once they have signed in, they will be notified of updates, changes or other important activities. This is one of the best ways to protect against phishing scams.
The "Scotiabank Online Services Suspended" Phishing Scam
From: Unusual.Activity.ScotiaBank.Online.Services.ID0642728281@scotia.com <Unusual.Activity.ScotiaBank.Online.Services.ID0642728281@scotia.com>
Sent: August 20, 2018 11:41 AM
Subject: ScotiaBank.Information.Service Ref: ScARMH
Government of Canada. Gouvernement du Canada
Hello wthr72@hotmail.com,
This is your official notification that the service(s) listed below will be desactivated and deleted if your profile is not verified immediately.
SERVICE: ScotiaBank Online Services (Suspended)
Reason: We noticed some unusual activity. We know this is frustrating,
but we can help you get back into your ScotiaBank account easily in a few steps.
What you need to do:
1. Log in to your account at www1.scotiabank.com/renew-now/ScARMH by clicking our unique URL.
2. Enter your user/Card Number and Password (that you selected during the online enrollment process).
3. Enter the requested information and your ScotiaBank online account will be renew.
The quickest way to get your account unblocked is online by confirming your information.
If you haven’t tried unblocking your account online, we recommend you to visit your local branch, it`s your choice.
We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause you. We value the trust of our customers and we will work aggressively to prevent these types of events from occurring in the future.
Michael Rinswerter - Account manager - ScotiaBank 2018
The link in the phishing email message goes to a fake Scotiabank website. Once on the fake website, visitors will be asked to verify their Scotiabank accounts by submitting their credit card information, personal information, and account credentials. If the requested information is submitted, it will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the scam. The cybercriminal will then use the stolen information to steal their victims' money and use their accounts fraudulently.
Scotiabank customers who know or think they may have been tricked by the phishing scam are asked to contact Scotiabank immediately for help.
Remember, Scotiabank will never:
- send you unsolicited emails or text messages asking for confidential information, such as your password, PIN, access code, credit card and account numbers.
- ask you to validate or restore your account access through an email or text message.