The FDIC is receiving complaints from consumers who received an e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The fraudulent e-mail requests that recipients update account information due to inactive accounts, frauds and spoof reports, and that failure to do so will result in closure of the recipient's bank account. The link contained within the e-mail, http://www.fdic.gov/register/cgi-bin/fdic_intsafe/register.jsp, serves as a gateway to the fraudulent Web site. The fraudulent Web site, which is designed to look like a page from the FDIC's authentic Web site, asks respondents to provide sensitive information, such as bank or credit card account numbers, as well as personal identification and Social Security numbers.

This alert is intended to warn consumers that the fraudulent e-mail, which could also possibly contain a computer virus, was not sent by the FDIC. Financial institutions and consumers are being warned NOT to access the link or submit personal information. Additionally, as a reminder to all consumers, the FDIC strongly recommends that individuals safeguard personal information and refrain from responding to any unsolicited request for personal information.

For your reference, FDIC Special Alerts may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2004/index.html. To learn how to automatically receive FDIC Special Alerts, please visit www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Distribution: All insured institutions

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC Special Alerts may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (1-877-275-3342 or (703) 562-2200).