Consumer Protection Alert

Fraudulent emails Claiming to be from the FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports from consumers who received an e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The subject line of the emails could state: FDIC Insurance, or Check your Bank's Deposit Insurance Coverage, or Your Account Insurance from FDIC.

These emails are fraudulent and are claiming to be from the FDIC. It is an attempt to get recipients to click on a link, which then will ask them to provide sensitive personal information. They falsely indicate that FDIC deposit insurance is suspended until requested customer information is provided.

The email informs the recipient that "in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, federal, state and local governments… the FDIC has withdrawn deposit insurance from the recipient’s account “due to account activity that violates the Patriot Act." It further states deposit insurance will remain suspended until identity and account information can be verified using a system called "IDVerify."

This e-mail is fraudulent and was not sent by the FDIC. It is an attempt to obtain personal and confidential information from consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT access or click on the link provided in the e-mail and under NO circumstances provide any personal information. Village Bank is highly advising you not to open these emails.

The FDIC is attempting to identify the source of the e-mails and disrupt the transmission.