$140,000 Lost - Banking Data Compromised

Last January, customers of The First, N.A. were warned of a phishing email that was being sent. The message purported to be from the bank and contained a link to a website where information was needed for verification. 3,400 of the bank's customers provided information. Hackers used information on approximately 150 of these over a three to four day period. During this time thieves stole $140,000 using fake debit cards, manufactured from the data obtained from the customer. They stole money at ATM machines in Florida, Virginia, Illinois, Puerto Rico and Canada. The bank has reimbursed the customers for their losses. This appears to be part of a larger operation. The FBI and Secret Service are investigating.