ISP warning area businesses of scam targeting company bank accounts

WABASH VALLEY (WTHI) – Indiana State Police is warning businesses in the Wabash Valley of a scam that will target company bank accounts.

ISP reports these scams can result in financial losses that could be massive at times.

According to the FBI, from October 2013 through February 2016, law enforcement received reports from 17,642 victims resulting in more than $2.3 billion in losses.

This is how this scam is working: Schemers will research employees who manage money and use language specific to the company they are targeting, then request a wire transfer using dollar amounts that appear legitimate. To complete this act, criminals spoof company e-mail or use social engineering to assume the identity of the CEO, company attorney or trusted vendor.

Detectives at the Putnamville Post are currently conducting one investigation with similarities to this scam and have referred one other to the jurisdiction of that complainant.

“Scammer e-mails requesting the wire transfer appear authentic and unless the chief financial officer double checks with personal contact, the scam is successful. Exercise extensive safety protocols when electronically transferring funds”, according to Putnamville District Investigative Commander First Sergeant Jason Fajt.

There are various versions of this scam. Consider the following tips:

• Be wary of e-mail-only wire transfer requests and requests involving urgency

• Use the phone to verify legitimate business partners

• Be cautious of mimicked e-mail addresses

• Practice multi-level authentication