Fake Consumer Website Warning
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) recently issued a warning about HelpWithMyBank.com, an illegitimate website feigning to offer consumer information about bank accounts and loans. Once visited, the HelpWithMyBank.com URL directs users to a legitimate consumer information site, HelpWithMyBank.gov, attempting to convince users they are connecting to a legitimate site, according to the OCC. But connecting to the fake site before the redirect is believed to expose consumers to malware.
These websites are known as typo-domains or domains that look like the “real” site – in this case HelpWithMyBank.gov. This site claims to offer legitimate consumer information in attempts to fool consumers into clicking malicious links. This tactic is not new. There have been multiple attempts to fool individuals using many well known organizations names – such as the ABA (American Banking Association), the FBI, the IRS, etc.
The problem is that there is little the banking industry can do to prevent these types of sites from cropping up. It's relatively easy for fraudsters to register malicious sites under existing Domain Name System, or DNS, standards.
The Anti-Phishing Working Group says anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 fake websites could be online on any given day. Fake websites are a big problem. Many of the sites are used in phishing and spear-phishing campaigns.
Bottom line: When surfing or looking for help from a consumer help organization – the web can be a great resource. The key is to be very sure the site you are going to get that advice is a legitimate site – a site there to help you and not to steal from you.