I received the Bank of Montreal(BMO) message below, although I do not have a BMO account, so I knew right away the email is a scam. The fake email message claims fraudulent transactions have been detected on my account and I need to confirm them. But, instead of following the instructions in the fake email, I called BMO directly and asked them about the two telephone numbers (1-866-418-8151) and (416 849-9003) in the email to ensure they are aware of what is happening and have them confirm the numbers are fakes.
Please do not be fooled by online scammers who are claiming the numbers are legitimate. Always call BMO directly at the telephone number on their website (https://www.bmo.com/) or at the telephone number at the back of your credit card. Doing this will ensure you are talking to BMO and not scammers attempting to trick you into calling them at some fake telephone numbers.
The Fraudulent Bank of Montreal(BMO) Email
From: BMO Fraud Department <BMO.FraudDepartment@bmo.com>
Date: Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 2:56 PM
Subject: Action Required: Please Confirm Activity
Action Required: Please Confirm Activity
BMO Fraud Protection Services: BMO credit card ending in 6129
Dear,
Protecting your security and the privacy of your information is something we take very seriously at BMO. We want to keep your account secure so we continuously monitor it for potentially fraudulent activity. There are transactions on your account that we need you to confirm were authorized by you.
If you have not already spoken to us please call us at 1-866-418-8151 from within Canada and the U.S.A, or contact the Canadian Operator collect at 416 849-9003 at your earliest convenience and speak with a fraud specialist. If you prefer, you can call us on the number on the back of your card. If we have already talked to you about this there is nothing more for you to do.
Thank you for your help,
Sincerely,
BMO Fraud Department
How does the Bank of Montreal(BMO) Scam work?
The scammers send emails or text messages to their potential victims, or call their potential victims' numbers and leave a voice message, asking them to call the fake telephone numbers. If the potential victims call the numbers, they will be asked by a human or an Automated Interactive Voice Response system to enter their credit card and other information. If the requested information is entered, it will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the scam, who will use it fraudulently.
Therefore, BMO customers who have been tricked by the scam are asked to contact BMO for help immediately at the telephone number at the back of their cards.