Email fraud, often referred to as "phishing" or "spoofing," involves a fraudster sending you an email request that appears to be from a government agency, an official business, online payment service, or bank.
How it happens - Once you receive an email and follow the fraudulent instructions, you may unknowingly provide confidential information or even download worms or viruses to your computer. When fraudsters obtain this information, they use it to transfer money, make payments, and commit other fraudulent acts.
What to do if it happens to you - If you have received a fraudulent Wachovia email, please forward it to abuse@wachovia.com. Please do not remove the original subject line, or change the email in any way when you forward it to us. If you have entered personal information after clicking on a link or suspect fraudulent behavior, please call usimmediately at (888)647-3648 during business hours or 24 hours a day at 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684).
Know the Clues to Fraud - Mouse Over Our Mock Email
Want to know how to quickly identify a fraudulent email? Use your mouse to scroll over our mock email to see key fraud indicators.
Never respond to or click on a link in a suspicious email. Opening or clicking on a link could place a virus on your computer which can later capture your personal information.
Inspect the company logo used in emails and compare it to that used on the legitimate Web site of that company. Look for any discoloration or disfiguration of the logo.
If you receive an email that warns you that an account will be closed or online access will be terminated unless you reconfirm your billing information, contact the company cited in the email using a telephone number or Web site address you know to be genuine.
Take the time to ask whether this is the type of action the company would ask you to take. Review Wachovia's privacy and security practices.
Avoid sending personal financial information over the Internet unless you are sure you are on a secure site. Look for the padlock icon on your browser's status bar.
You may also wish to contact your Internet Service Provider for support in blocking emails or subscribing to a spam filter they may offer.
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