Alert for Consumers and Business Customers

As you busily prepare for the holidays, fraudsters are stepping up their efforts to find new ways to steal your information and your money.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

The number of phishing emails containing malware and purporting to be from businesses, or from your financial institution, increase significantly during the holidays, both at work and at home. These emails often indicate a problem with a shipment, an order or an account, and may stress a sense of urgency. With the increased use of mobile phones, these types of messages are also being sent to potential victims via text messages (referred to as SMiShing).

Example Phishing Email:

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Being vigilant when reading and responding to emails and text messages is always important. During the holidays, however, you must be extra vigilant as fraudsters will do their best to ruin your holidays.

If you receive a suspicious email or text:

• Do not open or click on links contained in suspicious emails.
• Do not respond to the email.
• If the message appears to be from Fifth Third Bank, forward it to 53investigation@security.53.com to help track the phishers and shut down the fraudulent sites or disconnect fraudulent phone numbers.
• Delete the message from your Inbox or mobile device.
• If you responded to the message and provided Fifth Third Bank account information, contact Fifth Third Bank Customer Service at 1-800-676-5869.

TIPS AND TOOLS TO HELP YOU:

Education is your best defense - know what to look for and what to do. To find out more about how to protect yourself from fraud, visit the Fifth Third Bank Privacy & Security Center at www.53.com/Security.