FBI Warning- Gameover Malware Targets Your Bank Account

The FBI recently issued a warning about a new attempt by hackers to gain access to your bank information. Called Gameover, the phishing scheme involves spam emails - purpotedly from the National Automated Clearing House, the Federal Reserve, or the FDIC. These emails, is opened, can infect the user's computer and reveal bank password and other access information.

The malware is called Gameover, because once it is installed a computer, it quickly gains access to your banking information, at which point it is, game over.

What To Look For

The scheme generally starts with an unsolicited email from NACH, the Fed, or the FDIC telling the user there has been a problem with a recent ACH transaction. The email includes a link to a phony site. Once the user clicks the link and visits that site, the malicious program is automatically installed on their computers. According to the FBI, once the criminals have accessed your bank account online, they initiate a denial of service attack on the site, in an attempt to deflect attention from their illegal entry.

Not the End of It

The FBI as determined that the funds stolen are often used to purchase precious gems, jewelry, and expensive watches. The people that purchase these items on behalf of the criminals are often unaware of what they are doing. These people are often recruited via "work at home" advertisements that flood the web. These "jobs" often provide seemingly legitimate contracts and long-term contracts but are nothing but fronts. Often, they require the employee to open a bank account or use their own personal account to receive funds and send the cash abroad, to the criminal organizers via wire or ironically, ACH transactions.

Don't Be Victimized

Don't let your hard earned money be stolen. There are steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Never open an unsolicited email from a bank, or bank-related institution
• Keep all of your virus protection software updated and working properly.
• Don't accept unsolicited jobs online that require you to wire or send money overseas.