I received an email from my bank. It isn't the usual message and wants me to log in with my secret code. I think this is what they call a phishing email. What should I do?
Do what you are doing now -- be suspicious! You are demonstrating a keen wit and there are several things to consider here.
Because this came in a different than normal format or at a different than normal time, you should proceed with caution. I recommend not opening the email if you haven't already. The first thing you should do is contact your bank. Do not use any of the contact links on the suspicious email and do not reply to that email. Use the telephone, a known email address for your bank or use your known link to your bank's web site and ask them if they have contacted you. (See more information below about using the bank web site for this.)
If they have contacted you, ask about this specific message and then act appropriately. If they haven't they may want you to forward that message to them so they can more closely examine it.
Many banks also have a link on their web site (look first on the homepage) to both report suspicious activities like this, and to see what scams have been recently reported. You may find that the bank has already warned customers about about the same message you received.
During holiday seasons, these kinds of attacks will increase. Plus many banks are in the process of enhancing their security controls and the bad guys know this is a good time to take advantage of customers. Banks have been asked to notify customers of what they're going to go so you'll know what to expect. If they haven't contacted you, you may want to contact them, especially if you get a suspicious message.
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Do what you are doing now -- be suspicious! You are demonstrating a keen wit and there are several things to consider here. 