Cybercriminals are sending out phishing "Scotia InfoAlerts Bill Due" messages like the one below, which claim the recipients' bill is due. Therefore, Scotiabank customers who have received email messages claiming that their accounts have been frozen or they need to update or verify their information should go directly to Scotiabank's' website at www.scotiabank.com and sign into their accounts, instead of clicking on the link in the email messages. Once they have signed in, they will be notified of updates, changes or other important activities. This is one of the best protection techniques against phishing scams.
The "Scotia InfoAlerts Bill Due" Phishing Scam
From: Microsoft Outlook Calendar <no-reply@microsoft.com>
Date: Mon, Sep 3, 2018, 5:00 AM
Subject: Your Scotia InfoAlerts bill for account 3792*****151*** is due tomorrow
To: d t <IMCEAEX-Devon+2Eturner+40live+2Eca@sct-15-20-755-16-msonline-outlook-352f1.templatetenant>
Scotia InfoAlerts bill due
Credit card
Scotia InfoAlerts bill due
Account number: 3792*****151***
Due: Tuesday, September 4
Bill amount: $5,192.11
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.