The Corpus Christi Police Department has been made aware that several banks were a target of online phishing scams where their customers were contacted by email. The scam went on to ask customers to login to an attached website address, that was not an official bank site. While these types of emails go out on a daily basis, according to FraudWatch International.com, 14 different banks were mentioned on November 8, 2011.

The Corpus Christi Police Department would like to remind citizens to check with their banks directly before giving any information on an online email or follow a request to change usernames and passwords. While many of the emails look legitimate by adding the bank official logos they simply redirect customers to third-party websites in other countries.

Here are few tips to follow regarding online banking:

1. Use https when logging into banking and credit card sites, utilizing a “secure” connection.

2. Don’t be fooled by emails. If you are asked to “reply” to a bank the best option is to pick up a phone and speak to someone directly.

3. Don’t be fooled by fake log in screens. Verify that the page you are on is actually the page of the banking institution that you do business with.

4. Reset your passwords often and make them tough to guess.

If you have received an email, that you believe may be a phishing scam, please contact your bank provider. Most bank websites have email addresses set up to contact them of phishing scams.

SAMPLE WORDING ON PHISHING  and FAKE BANK EMAILS

This is your online banking after verification processing was completed on 11/08/2011.

There are numbers of invalid attempts on your online banking:

This has placed an extra verification on your account .

Subsequent login attempt may have put your account on restrictions .

Please click here (which leads you to a third party site) to continue the verification process and ensure your account security.