Security

The most common types of scams will target you through fake emails, text messages, voice calls, letters or even someone who shows up at your front door unexpectedly. No matter which technique the scammer uses, you may be:

If you provide your information or money to a scammer, there is often little we can do to help get your money back — which is why knowing about (and defending against) scams is so important.

Keep a record of your actions

• Keep a file of documents related to the identity theft. You will want to include documents such as disputed bills, credit reports, police reports, and any correspondence.
• Maintain a record of your telephone conversations with the persons and agencies you contact for assistance. Be sure to record the date and time of the call, the name and title of the person you spoke with, and the things you discussed.
• Follow up all telephone conversations in writing and send these letters certified with return receipts requested; maintain copies of these written correspondences for your file.
• Maintain copies of any written correspondence you exchange related to the identity theft.
• Keep original documents for your file; only mail copies.

You will receive a phone call from someone who calls you grandma or grandpa. You might respond, “Billy, is that you?” whereby the caller pretends to be Billy and be panicked, in trouble and need money right away.

You should be calm and ask for a number to call back. Then try to call Billy or his parents directly to confirm the situation. The Federal Trade Commission offers more guidance.

Romance Scam
You join an online dating site and establish a relationship. Your new-found “friend” lives in another town or country. Suddenly there is a crisis and you are asked for money. If you comply, the requests will keep coming. For more information https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-you-need-know-about-romance-scams

The Lottery Scam
You receive a letter or email saying you have won – usually in another country. In order to claim your winnings, you have to send money for the taxes or “release” of the funds. Or you might receive a check for more than your winnings and are asked to send the extra money back. Once your money is gone, no winnings come and the check you deposited is bad, so the entire amount is taken out of your account.
If you have not played a lottery, you did not win. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/08/youve-won-now-pay-us-always-scam

Tech Support Scam
You are called by someone claiming to be from Microsoft or a computer software company. They claim to have detected malware on your computer and offer to help and request payment. Or you give them access to your computer where they then actually load the malware to get your online passwords. Never give your IP address or access to anyone other than your trusted computer repair shop.

Utility Company
Businesses are often targeted by someone calling saying they are from the utility company. They claim the account is past due and service is about to be cut. They ask for credit card payment, funds to be wired or gift cards to be mailed. Hang up and call your utility company to confirm the scam.

 

Skimming
Skimming is a type of fraud involving using a skimmer, a card reader that can be disguised as part of an ATM. The skimmer collects card numbers and PIN codes, which can then be used to create counterfeit cards. When a skimmer is attached to an ATM, it scans and stores your card information and PIN from the keypad when you slide your card into the counterfeit reader. This makes skimmers particularly dangerous compared to other forms of card compromise because the collected data can be used to make ATM cash withdrawals.

To check for skimmers, observe the PIN keypad and card insert slot of an ATM before using it. Look for tape or sticky glue residue, bulkiness on the card insert area or keypad, anything hanging from the ATM, and loose-fitting attachments on the card slot or keypad. If you suspect an ATM has a skimming device, notify the branch immediately. If outside of regular business hours, contact the police to report this activity.

If you have been skimmed, review your transaction history frequently to catch any unauthorized transactions early and minimize losses or inconveniences.

Use Apple Pay® & Google Pay™ in your mobile wallet – pay contactless on the go while leaving your card safely tucked away.

Use the Card Management function in your mobile app - turn your card off and on and set spending limits. Other ways you can help USB fight fraud:

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