‘Tangerine Limited Usage’ Phishing Scam Email
The original site is no longer online; links go to the Internet Archive copy.
What the fact-checkers found
According to an email that purports to be from the Canadian bank Tangerine, customers are required to verify their online accounts because the bank is conducting maintenance services on its databases.
The email urges you to click a link to access a validation form. It warns that, if you fail to complete the validation, access to your account will be limited and “all activity” will be suspended.
Supposedly, Tangerine is upgrading services to provide a higher layer of security to its users.
Email is Not From Tangerine — Phishing Scam
However, Tangerine did not send the email and it will not suspend your account if you don’t click the link.
The email is a typical phishing scam designed to steal your personal and financial information.
If you click the link, a fraudulent website will open in your browser. The site features the Tangerine logo and familiar orange colour scheme to further the illusion that it is legitimate.
It first asks you to enter your account login credentials. Next, it will instruct you to complete an “account verification” form that asks for your name and contact details, your credit card numbers, and other identifying personal information.
Finally, you will see a message claiming that you have successfully completed the verification and thereby avoided the threatened suspension.
Online criminals can now use the information you supplied to hijack your Tangerine account, commit credit card fraud, and attempt to steal your identity.
Many Banks Targeted in Similar Scams
Bank phishing scam emails like this one are common. Be wary of any email or text message purporting to be from your bank that instructs you to click a link or open an attached file to verify your account, update information, or rectify an account problem. Your bank is very unlikely to send you such a message.
It is always safest to log in to your online accounts by entering the address into your browser’s address bar or via a trusted app.
Tangerine includes information about phishing scams on its “Security Stuff” page.
An example of the scam email
Subject: 748661 Tangerine Limited Usage
Dear Tangerine valued customer,
Sent to you on: May 17,2017
Due to maintainance services on our databases, we require our customers to verify their online accounts.
We have upgraded our services to provide a higher layer of security to our clients.
To verify your online account click on the following link to access the validation form:
Click here to login to your account
This update is intended for the purpose of protection our customer accounts. Failure in account verification will result in limiting your online access and suspending all activity.
Tangerine is a trade mark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence.
Thank you,
[Name Removed],
IT Security.
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