Computer virus targets secure websites
Beware of the Zeus Bot virus scam
[January 27, 2010]
Zeus Bot is not a myth. It's a computer virus that can mimic a secure website.
Identity thieves are up to their tricks again, attempting to steal your identity and your money. This time their trickery involves the Zeus Bot computer virus that causes a message to appear while you're using a secure site, including some operated by financial institutions.
The Zeus Bot virus uses a clever illusion to trick people into responding. Here's how it works:
- First, the virus must infect your computer. The virus is NOT attached to a website. It only works after your computer is infected.
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Second, the virus creates a phoney web page to trick you. When you log into a secure site (such as online banking), Zeus Bot comes alive and launches a bogus web page or screen that asks for your credit card information. Don't give it out! While the request seems to be coming from the secure site, it is really generated by the virus that lives on your computer. Any information you provide on the phoney page may be sent over the Internet to the identity thief.
If you experience this scenario, your computer has been compromised. DO NOT give out any information. Instead, please contact STCU for assistance at (509) 326-1954 or toll-free at (800) 858-3750.
Of the tens of thousands of STCU members who use online banking, only a handful have reported experiences indicating that their computers are infected by Zeus Bot. To their credit, none of these members have fallen for the ruse. We’re confident that no informed member will be victimized.
For more information regarding ID theft and steps you can take to protect yourself, visit STCU’s Security Center.
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