Maine Bank Regulators Warn Consumers About Scam

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine and federal banking regulators are warning consumers about a "phishing" scam in which fraudulent e-mails are circulating around the state.

State Financial Institutions Superintendent Lloyd LaFountain III says the e-mails purport to be from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, but they aren't being sent by that government agency.

The e-mails lead consumers to a bogus Web site. Officials believe that clicking on the links may trigger the installation of malicious software intended to collect personal or confidential information. That information may be used to gain unauthorized access to online banking services or to conduct identity theft.

Maine's banking chief warns consumers to never provide personal information to anyone unknown to them.