FDIC Warns of E-mail Scam

 The FDIC is warning that fradulent e-mails claiming to be from the agency are in circulation.  The e-mails come from the address
"FDIC < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it >" and have a subject line that reads: "FDIC Alert: check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage."

The e-mail tells recipients that , "Recently FDIC has officially named the bank you have opened your account with as a failed bank, thus, taking control of its assets."  The e-mail then asks recipients to visit the FDIC Web site to check their deposit insurance coverage and provides a fraudulent link.  It then instructs recipients to "download and open your personal FDIC Insurance File to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage."

Recipients should consider the e-mail an attempt to collect personal or confidential information.  The FDIC does not issue unsolicited e-mails to customers.  Financial institutions and consumers should not follow the link in the fraudulent e-mail. Read FDIC Alert.

Missouri’s Community Banks

Offer Tips to Help

Consumers Guard Against Loan Scams

The Missouri Independent Bankers Association (MIBA), its national affiliate, the Independent Community Bank of America (ICBA), and member banks like Citizens Bank of Rogersville are arming consumers with information to help protect themselves against loan scams.

Consumers who are having financial troubles should contact their mortgage lender immediately.  By doing so, they are less likely to be taken in by loan scams, which are almost always unsolicited phone calls, e-mails or letters.  Knowing the warning signs is key. MIBA and community banks across the state encourage consumers to be wary of any company that does the following:

·  Guarantees to stop the foreclosure process—no matter what your
   circumstances.

·  Instructs you to not contact your lender, lawyer or credit or housing counselor.

·  Collects a fee before providing you with any services.

·  Accepts payment only by cashier’s check or wire transfer.

·  Encourages you to lease your home so you can buy it back over time.

·  Tells you to make your mortgage payments directly to them, rather than your 
    lender.

·  Tells you to transfer your property deed or title to them.

·  Offers to buy your house for cash at a fixed price that is not set by the 
   housing market at the time of sale.

·  Offers to fill out paperwork for you.

·  Pressures you to sign paperwork you haven't had a chance to read
   throughly or that you don't understand.

If consumers think they have been the victim of a loan scam, they should contact their state attorney general’s office to file a complaint and learn the next steps to repair any damage incurred as a result of the scam. For additional tips, consumers can also check the following resources:

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation:
http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/loans/prevention/rescue/beware.html

Federal Reserve:
http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/mortgage/mortb_1.htm

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency:
http://www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/ADVISORY/2008-1.html

Any community bank customer who is having problems with a mortgage should visit a local community bank for more information about legitimate programs and loan options available to them.