Tips

Protecting Your Business from Fraud and Cyber Crimes

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We’re committed to protecting our customers and our communities from cybercrime, identity theft and fraud. That’s why we work to stay up to date on current scams, trends, and best practices so you can feel protected with the most up-to-date knowledge. Check out our latest resources below to help keep you and your business protected.

  1. Current Scams
  2. Fraud Prevention Tips
  3. Cyber-Security Resources
  4. Business Resources

 

 

Current Scams

Business Email Compromise Scam

Scammer poses as your vendor or supplier and asks you via email to send money to a different account.1

Things to know:

  • Carefully examine the email address, URL, and spelling used in any correspondence. Scammers use slight variations to trick your eye and gain your trust.
  • Verbally verify payment and purchase requests by calling the vendor on a known phone number to ensure legitimacy.
  • How to report a BEC scam: Contact our Customer Service Center and file a report with the FBI Internal Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Read our blog post, Business Email Compromise: What is it and how to protect your business, to learn more.

Tech Support Scam

Scammer contact you and poses as a customer or tech support from a well-known company. They find something wrong with your computer and ask you to pay for tech support services. They ask you to pay by wiring money, putting money on a gift card, prepaid card or using cryptocurrency or a money transfer app.2

Fraudster’s favorite contact method: Phone calls and Computer Pop-Up Warnings on your computer’s screen.

Things to know:

  • Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you by phone, email, or text message to tell you there’s a problem with your computer.
  • Security pop-up warnings from real tech companies will never ask you to call a phone number or click on a link
  • How to report a Tech Support scam: Contact our Customer Service Center and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Imposter Scam

Scammer pretends to be someone else (ie: a BankProv Representative, a member of the Bank’s Security Team, an agent from the FBI or the IRS) and tries to gain your trust and attempts to convince you to send them money or to get your personal Information.3

Tips:

  • Don’t give your account information or online banking credentials. BankProv will never call and ask you to provide personal information over the telephone. (If you call us, we may ask you to provide information to verify your identity.)
  • Scammers usually ask you to pay via wire, gift cards or cryptocurrency, be extremely suspicious of such requests.
  • The IRS, FBI or any government agency won’t call you threatening you for debt payment
    Fraudster’s favorite contact method: Phone calls, SMS, emails.
  • How to report an Imposter scam: Contact our Customer Service Center and file a report with the FTC.

Read our blog post, Protecting your Business from Imposter Scams, to learn more.

Check Fraud

Thieves are stealing checks out of the US mail (either from a public mail drop box or out of a personal mailbox) they then alter the check to make it payable to themselves or to an accomplice. They then sell the stolen checks with your account information on the dark web.

Tips:

  • Use online bill pay services instead of checks
  • Go to your nearest post office and drop your mail with the USPS employee
Romance Scam

Scammer creates fake profiles on dating sites or contact you on social media. They say they are in love with you, but they live far away (usually for work or because they’re in the military). Then they start asking for money for something urgent (surgery, hospital bill, plane ticket).4

Things to know:

  • Scammers will say they can’t meet you in person
  • Scammers will ask you money & will tell you how to pay (usually through wire or through a money transfer app or cryptocurrency.)
  • Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
  • How to report a Romance scam: Contact our Customer Service Center and file a report with the FTC.
Overpayment Scam

Scammer contacts you to buy a product you are selling. They quickly propose to send a payment via check, but they mistakenly send you too much money. They then ask for a refund. A couple of days later the initial check payment bounces leaving you liable for the entire amount.5

Things to know:

  • Don’t accept a check for more than your selling price.
  • How to report an Overpayment scam: Contact our Customer Service Center and file a report with the FTC.
Lottery Scam

Scammer sends you an email or a letter claiming that you won the lottery or a prize, however, they ask for payment to claim the final prize/winnings.6

Things to know:

  • Scammer might say they are from the government
  • Scammers use the names of well-known organizations
  • Real sweepstakes are free and by chance.
  • How to report a Lottery scam: Contact our Customer Service Center and file a report with the FTC.

If you believe that an unauthorized transaction(s) has occurred on your account(s), contact the Bank immediately at 888-806-7768, or email us.

 

 

Fraud Prevention

Wire & ACH Fraud

ACH transaction and wire transfer security is critical. The best defense against potential fraud is to implement a strong information security program.

ATM & Debit Card Fraud

ATM fraud is on the rise and criminals have become very clever at finding ways to access funds. Consumers need to pay careful attention to their bank statements to protect your accounts. Methods used to gain access to your accounts include phishing scams, unsolicited emails, the breaching of retailer computer systems, and card skimming devices places on ATM machines and gas pumps.

Download our Tips to Detect ATM Skimming Devices

Identity Theft

Identity theft is the most prevalent type of fraud. This crime occurs when someone gains access to your personal information and uses it to open new accounts, conduct transactions in your name or completes fraudulent purchases. Not only can there be significant financial losses for the victim, but the activity can also damage credit. Thieves can not only obtain personal information using online resources but can also use offline methods such as dumpster diving, stealing wallets or even stealing or rerouting your mail.

Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies listed below,

Learn more about how to help protect your identity from the Federal Trade Commission.

Elder Abuse Fraud

Financial or material exploitation can often involve the mistreatment or exploitation of property, possessions or assets of adults without consent under false pretense, or through coercion and/or manipulation. Financial exploitation is a fast-growing form of abuse of seniors and adults with disabilities.

Download our Elder Financial Fraud Prevention Tips

To report suspected elder abuse:

  • Massachusetts Resident: Elder Services of Merrimack Valley (800)-922-2275
  • New Hampshire Resident: Adult Protective Services (603)-271-7014
For more information or assistance with Fraud Prevention:
  • Learn more about trending fraud topics and sign up to receive your own Fraud Alerts: fraud.org
  • Scam Alerts: Stay a step ahead with the latest info and practical tips from the nation’s consumer protection agency: consumer.ftc.gov

 

 

Cyber Security

Test your knowledge and help protect against cybercrimes by downloading these resources:

 

Download these resources to help protect yourself at home and on the go:

 

 

Business Resources

 

 

 

1. Business Email Compromise Scam; FBI; https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/business-email-compromise
2. Tech Support Scams; Federal Trade Commission; https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams#Spotting
3. Imposter Scam; Federal Trade Commission; https://consumer.gov/scams-identity-theft/imposter-scams#what-to-know
4. Romance Scam; Federal Trade Commission; https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams
5. Overpayment Scam; Federal Trade Commission; https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2004/12/ftc-warns-consumers-about-check-overpayment-scams
6. Lottery Scam; Federal Trade Commission; https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/fake-prize-sweepstakes-lottery-scams