Dear Sterling Bank Customer: DO NOT RESPOND TO ANY UNSOLICITED REQUEST FOR ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION SUCH AS CREDIT CARD NUMBER, CHECK/DEBIT CARD NUMBER/PIN OR ACCOUNT NUMBERS

Recently a number of Sterling Bank customers received fraudulent emails  and cell phone text messages that look as if they came from Sterling Bank. Some of these emails contain links to fake websites that appear to be from Sterling Bank requesting personal, confidential information, such as Internet Banking usernames, passwords, account information, credit card numbers or check/debit card numbers and PINs. Other emails provide a phone number to a person who, when called, asks for this same personal information. This type of fraud scam is commonly referred to as "phishing".

Sterling Bank will never, ever ask for such information in an unsolicited email request, phone call or by mail. Never, never provide personal information, including bank account number, on-line banking password, Social Security number, check/debit card or credit card number in response to an unsolicited request.

If you receive an email or any other unsolicited communication that claims to be from Sterling Bank and requests personal or business banking information, it is a fraud. Do not respond, do not click on any links provided, and do not call any numbers. Sterling Bank will never use an unsolicited email to contact you requesting this information. Please forward any such emails to infosec@banksterling.com.

The following are some suggestions to help you recognize a phishing scam:

1. Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal information for a security audit or survey or which contains threats to close your account.
2. Never use links in an unsolicited email to access a web page.
3. Do not fill out forms in email messages asking for personal financial information.
4. Regularly check your online account and your bank, credit and debit card statements to make sure all transactions are legitimate.

If you have questions about this letter, emails, or text messages that appear to be from Sterling Bank, please call 888-777-8735 or your Sterling Banking Center.

Thank you.