The FBI has issued a warning regarding the “Gameover” virus that is designed to steal your bank account information.
The “Gameover” virus typically shows up in a spam email that appears to be from the Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), the Federal Reserve Bank or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Typically the email tells you that there’s a problem with your bank account or a recent transaction and that you must click a link or open an attachment to supposedly resolve the issue.
The link goes to a phony website, and once you’re on the website the “Gameover” malware is installed onto your computer and steals you login information.
Once inside your online bank account, it has been reported that fraudsters have been stealing funds to purchase expensive items.
How to protect yourself
- Make sure your anti-virus software is up to date
- Don’t click on attachments or links sent in unsolicited emails, especially from NACHA, FDIC, and the Federal Reserve. If you’d like to confirm there’s an issue with your account, contact your financial institution directly
- Monitor your account statements and let your financial institution know right away if you notice any fraudulent charges
- Don’t accept unsolicited jobs online that require you to receive funds from numerous bank accounts and then wire the money to overseas accounts—you could get caught up in a criminal investigation