As the number of failed banks continues to grow, so does the number of scams related to bank failures.

We have received dozens of FDIC scam emails in the last few days, all of them claiming to be from the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) regarding our bank.  These emails prey on people's fear that their bank might go under.

Don't fall for it!

The message claims you must visit "the official FDIC website and perform the following steps to check your Deposit Insurance Coverage."  Then it instructs you to "download and open your personal FDIC Insurance File."

The scammers have done a good job making these emails look legitimate.  They use a .gov email address like all government sites use.  The messages even contain the FDIC logo, making them look official.   

Here are some sample subject lines from these messages:

• "FDIC alert: check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage"
• "FDIC has officially named your bank a failed bank"
• "You need to check your Bank Deposit Insurance Coverage"

Certainly gets your attention, doesn't it? 

But these email are NOT from the FDIC.  Their sole purpose, like most email scams, is to trick you into sharing important information that will help the scammer steal your identity, access your bank account or otherwise cause you financial harm.

The FDIC does NOT contact consumers through email.  And they are NOT sending out any alerts via email regarding bank failures.  Delete these messages immediately.

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