Identity theft and fraud are on the rise

Don't fall for this internet scam!

Your bank would NEVER contact you in this manner via email if there was a problem with your account. DO NOT click on the link or reply to this type of of email in any way. This is a sample of "phishing" for information to use in identity theft. Asterisks have been inserted where the bank name was listed. Various bank names are used in this scam.

Dear **** customer,

We recently reviewed your account, and suspect that your **** Internet Banking account may have been accessed by an unauthorized third party. Protecting the security of your account and of the **** network is our primary concern. Therefore, as a preventative measure, we have temporarily limited access to sensitive account features.

To restore your account access, please take the following steps to ensure that your account has not been compromised:

1. Login to your **** Internet Banking account. In case you are not enrolled for Internet Banking, you will have to use your Social Security Number as both your Personal ID and Password and fill in all the required information, including your name and your account number.

2. Review your recent account history for any unauthorized withdrawals or deposits, and check your account profile to make sure not changes have been made. If any unauthorized activity has taken place on your account, report this to **** staff immediately.

To get started, please click the link below:

https://online.*****.com/online/servlet/efs/loginbbt1.html

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate your assistance in helping us maintain the integrity of the entire **** system. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

The **** Team

Please do not reply to this e-mail. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered. For assistance, log in to your **** account and choose the "Help" link in the header of any page.

The Roanoke Times recently did a series about the drug methamphetamine in the Roanoke Valley. Manufacturers of this drug often will rent property in a rural area and set up shop in a barn or storage building. Suspects usually pay in cash for purchases, services and rent.

Items associated with methamphetamine labs include:

Excessive trash such as antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape.

Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.

An unusual odor of solvents in the air.

Windows blacked out.