Wednesday, May 1, 2013

"Seahorse and Mermaid" and US Bank Alert

Here is a cute little seahorse with a charming young mermaid ....

"Seahorse and Mermaid"





I had an interesting thing happen today ... I received an email from US Bank that things had been compromised on our account and I should click on a link to update my information; if I didn't do so within 48 hours my account would be frozen.  So, I clicked on the link and received a warning that I would be directed to a "Phishing" (phoney) site and should take care before so doing.

I backed out and reread the email ... it sure looked official!  Except the email address didn't look quite right.  Then I studied the correspondence and decided even I could have made up this official looking message with my limited knowledge of Photoshop.  I checked my US Bank account online and discovered no recent alerts had been sent to me today and decided to call the bank.

Turns out, it was a scam!  The bank rep said that, unfortunately, people are getting really innovative at getting personal info in order to take over your accounts, etc.  She said I had done the right thing in listening to my instincts and not proceeding any further with the email link.

Moral of this story?  If it seems "phishy", verify it by calling the establishment at a phone number you know is theirs' before proceeding ....

Have a great week!  Looks like we are in store for some summer like days here in Oregon for about a week!  Yes!



10 comments:

  1. Those phishing scams are so irritating! Some that make me laugh though are the ones from Facebook or from Barclay's Bank in the UK. I don't have accounts at either of those places. :)

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    1. Irritating and annoying! Guess we all just have to be alert and aware ... *sigh*

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  2. I had the exact same thing happen to me 5 years ago (and it was a local bank with only a few branches).

    I, too, called the bank as soon as I saw the e-mail and they said to never open an e-mail that wanted an account update.

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    1. I'm really glad I received a "phishing" warning, I was tired and not paying a lot of attention but that warning woke me up!

      My bank said the same, never respond to an email for an account update.

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  3. I've been getting the same irritating emails from US Bank, from Barclay's Bank in the UK and even from Paypal. I don't respond to any of them.
    The drawing of the mermaid and the sea horse is lovely. Was this done with your SoHo pencils?
    I'm loving this weather and hope it last for awhile. Enjoy your day. Hugs

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    1. Yes, with the SoHo and the Verithins .... I really like the combination of the two.

      Am loving this weather too! Gonna open up all the doors and windows today and shoo all the dust from inside to the outside!

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  4. Nothing cuter than a seahorse & mermaid! I love the sweet expression you captured on the seahorse!

    I am glad you discovered the link was a scam before you got too far! The scammers are certainly getting better. We have also started getting phoney emails that look like they are coming from a relative or friend, even using our first names. They contain a link that usually contains a virus. My hubby who is always telling me not to click on things, "accidentally" click on one and got a virus on his computer. Happy to say he was able to fix it.

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    1. I'm glad he was able to fix it too!

      It's sad that we have to be so on guard ....

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  5. These scammers are pricks! Sorry for my language my friend! You know my mom was scammed and it makes me sick that people do this for a living! Errrrrr!!!
    On a happier note, your seahorse and mermaid is so precious!! Makes me smile big time! I love her face! Big Hugs Karen Anne ;o)

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  6. Oh it sure freaks me out when things get phishy in iternet land !!

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