FBI Alert on Account Takeover

FraudIdentity Theft
Written By Geoff Kreller

Cyber Criminals Impersonating Financial Institutions for Fraud

The FBI issued a Public Service Announcement regarding the use of various fraud strategies designed to facilitate Account Takeover (ATO), including the impersonation of financial institution staff, social engineering, and mirrored (or “spoofed”) websites. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to stay vigilant and remain cautious when personal or sensitive information is requested by a third party.

Best practices for individuals and businesses include:

  • Monitoring your financial accounts regularly (including those not often used)

  • Requesting and reviewing credit bureau reports

  • Reviewing uses of your name and likeness on social media

  • Using complex passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)

  • Carefully examining emails and links provided

  • Not disclosing your username, password, or other authentication mechanisms to others

Geoff Kreller
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