Attorney General's News Release

February 27, 2004

Nixon warns consumers of "phishing" scam using phony Citibank e-mails

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon is warning consumers of a fraudulent e-mail appearing to be from Citibank that solicits personal information such as bank account numbers. Nixon said his office has received several reports of similar "phishing" e-mails from consumers. Phishing refers to an e-mail that has been forged so it looks like a legitimate e-mail from a company, aimed at fooling recipients into divulging personal information.

"One such e-mail was sent to a Missouri consumer under the guise of verifying the consumer's e-mail address. The e-mail directed the consumer to a Web site where information such as the consumer's ATM card number and PIN number were requested.

"The Attorney General's Office has seen this scam with other businesses," Nixon says. "This is not unique to Citibank. Consumers should be wary of any e-mail that requests information such as account and PIN numbers."

According to Citibank's Web site, the bank will never send e-mails asking for passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information. The site also provides tips on how consumers can verify e-mail and Web sites purporting to be Citibank are legitimate.

Consumers who are victims of the Citibank e-mail scam should contact Citibank via their Web site or by calling 1-800-374-9700. Consumers should also notify the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818