Financial Tools and Fraud Education

Adapting Fraudsters in 2021.

Text Alerts:

As consumers learn the ways to protect themselves from scams, Fraudsters are adapting in ways to get their information. A recent rise of scams include Fraudsters posing as financial institution call center agents. They usually are sending text messages that look like they are coming from your institution, warning of suspicious transaction activities.

  • Text Alerts from your bank will never include a link.
  • Text Alerts come from 5-digit numbers and not a 10-digit number.

Call Center Scams

Posing as call center agents, fraudsters will often ask you to verify fake transactions. Fraudsters then say that your card will be blocked, a new card will be issued, and that they need your card’s PIN to put on the new card. Many people believe this and provide their PIN.

  • Regularly check your account for suspicious activity.
  • If you are contacted by text or Phone call and are unsure of the validity, don’t respond. Hang up and contact your bank directly.


Online Shopping and Website Accounts

A growing area of scam related phone calls and messages are coming from online shopping accounts such as Amazon, or PayPal.

  • If you receive any contact from someone posing as someone from a website you have an account with, don’t click on any links!
  • Don’t respond and disconnect any calls.
  • If you have any concerns with your account, contact the sites customer service line on their website directly.


Phone Apps & Social Media Scams

As smart phones and wireless devices grow in use, so does the possibilities of Fraudsters trying to access these devices. The same measures you use to keep your information safe on your computer should be followed on your phone.

Once on your phone, Fraudsters can potentially download apps and make purchases without your knowledge.

A Recent trend has found scammers using Snapchat to get access to money while posing as a friend.

  • Be cautious of “friends” posting ways to make money. If it sounds too good to be true, it always is.
  • Don’t give out account information, whether a bank account or a social media account to anyone.
  • Verify the opportunity or situation outside the app.  Call them or message them by other means.

This scam often starts with a “friends” Snapchat account being compromised. The victim then receives a request from their “friend” on Snapchat to deposit a check into their account, sometime by the victim providing bank log in information.  The victim is then asked to send a smaller amount of money to the suspect via Apple Pay or other mobile money apps, allegedly allowing the victim to keep the left over money.  The initial check will eventually be marked fraudulent or bounce and the original money never actually makes it to the victim’s account. At which time the victim is out the money they sent to the scammer.


Tips for Avoiding Coronavirus Scams

  • You may receive false information regarding the security of your deposits, your ability to access cash, or need to provide the FDIC with personal information. Be aware of the scams. Learn more from the FDIC.
  • Don’t click on links if you are unfamiliar with the source, which could download harmful viruses on your computer or device.
  • Watch for scam emails from the Center for Disease Control or other medical professionals. The latest information should always be on their websites.
  • Ignore online vaccinations offers as there are currently none that exist to treat or cure coronavirus.
  • Be careful when making online donations.
For more details and the latest tips, visit the Federal Trade Commission Coronavirus Scam page.

 

Free Credit Report

Under the FACT Act, you are entitled to one FREE copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can get your report at www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

Credit Reports & Scores 

Fraud Prevention

Security Procedures Guidance

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Report a MasterCard Retailer Violation

If you have had any of the following merchant violations when using your MasterCard debit card please submit your complaint by clicking on the link below:

  • In order to make a MasterCard purchase, the merchant/retailer required a minimum or maximum amount.
  • The merchant/retailer is adding a charge for using your MasterCard card (or giving a discount for using cash)
  • The merchant/retailer required identification
  • A merchant/retailer displaying the MasterCard decal in their window refused to accept my MasterCard card

Report a violation.

Money Management Tool

Identity Theft Prevention

EDIE lets consumers and bankers know, on a per-bank basis, how the insurance rules and limits apply to a depositor's specific group of deposit accounts—what's insured and what portion (if any) exceeds coverage limits at that bank. EDIE also allows the user to print the report for their records.

EDIE calculates the insurance coverage for Personal Accounts—deposits held by people in single accounts, joint accounts, POD/ITF accounts, living trust account, and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs); Business Accounts—deposits held by corporations, partnerships, and organizations, both for-profit and not-for-profit; and Government Accounts—deposits held by public units such as school districts, cities, municipalities, counties, and states.