Report: Phony emails claim to be from Sunflower Online Banking
A current phishing scam is circulating, featuring emails reportedly from Sunflower Bank’s Online Banking. The emails target Sunflower Bank customers in hopes of gaining personal information.
The phishing emails originate from a phony address, onlinebanking@sunflowerbank.com. Emails usually include a subject line of Update your Online banking. or Update your information. Emails also begin: Dear Customer. This opening line is not used by Sunflower Bank.
The email claims a major online banking upgrade is occurring, and prompts the customer to access a phony Sunflower Bank Web site, encouraging the entry of sensitive personal information. Versions of the email currently circulate with the name, Helen Jackson, as the sender. Alternate versions include the fraudulent use of Mollie Hale Carter’s name. Sample text of the email is at the end of this article.
Sunflower Bank is not undergoing a major online upgrade requiring any action from customers. Moreover, Sunflower Bank will never ask for sensitive personal information via email. Online maintenance to accounts is never performed by email, and your online banking account is accessible only at sunflowerbank.com.
“From time to time, sophisticated scams emerge that purport to be from financial insitutions,” said Kelley Weis, Sunflower Bank security officer. “These scams almost always boil down to an email attempting to direct users to a phony Web site and enter personal information, and no reputable financial institution would do so.
“As always, please be vigilant and cautious with your online banking use, and remember, you may always contact us to verify or point out a suspicious email.”
Sunflower Bank reminds customers of a few simple clues when encountering a phishing email.
- Sunflower Bank, nor any reputable financial institution, will never request sensitive personal information through an online channel.
- Access to online banking requires your user name, secure phrase, and Passmark image at all times. Any request for account numbers, Social Security numbers, card numbers, or PIN is usually a dead giveaway of a scam.
- Access to online banking is only available through www.sunflowerbank.com. Any email directing you elsewhere is likely suspicious.
- Make sure your browser indicates https: prefacing Sunflower Bank’s address. Additionally, in Internet Explorer and Firefox a padlock should appear in the lower right of your status bar.
- Do not reply to a phony email from Sunflower Bank. Please contact our Customer Service Center, 1-888-827-5564, with questions.
Sunflower Bank is currently working with authorities to ensure the safety of its customers. With receipt or questions about any suspicious Sunflower Bank email, please call 1-888-827-5564. Sample text of a bogus email is reprinted below:
Dear Customer,
Sunflower Bank carrying out a major system upgrade. This upgrade became necessary following recent security threats. Consequently, in the next few days, you may notice temporary interruption when using online banking to access your account. To experience a smoother and more secure online banking, please update your information in our records. The link below will guide you through the process:
Please note that this one time exercise is mandatory for all Sunflower Bank customers. For security reasons, we may suspend your account if your information is not updated.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience.
Helen Jackson
Head of Online Banking
