Consumer Alerts
COVID-19 Brings Increase in Cyber Attacks
Many attackers are using the current environment of our country for their benefit. There has been a dramatic increase in malicious cyber activity over the past two weeks. Attackers are using a variety of ways to target consumers. They are preying on fear and people’s willingness to help. Please be especially vigilant now to take steps to protect yourself.
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments.
- Use trusted sources–such as legitimate, government websites for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.
- Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.
- Keep your virus software up-to-date.
- Make sure your devices have the latest security updates for their operating systems.
You can find information and resources on defending a number of COVID-19 scams and attacks here.
Fraud Payment Alert
If you can answer “YES” to any of the following questions, you could be involved in a FRAUD or about to be SCAMMED!
- Is the CHECK from an item you sold on the Internet, such as a car, boat, jewelry, etc.?
- Is the amount of the CHECK more than the item’s selling price?
- Did you receive the CHECK via an overnight delivery service?
- Is the CHECK connected to communicating with someone by email?
- Is the CHECK drawn on a business or individual account that is different from the person buying your item or product?
- Have you been informed that you were the winner of a LOTTERY, such as Canadian, Australian, El Gordo, or El Mundo, that you did not enter?
- Have you been instructed to either “WIRE”, “SEND” or “SHIP” MONEY , as soon as possible, to a large U.S. city or to another country, such as Canada, England, or Nigeria?
- Have you been asked to PAY money to receive a deposit from another country such as Canada, England, or Nigeria?
- Are you receiving PAY or a COMMISSION for facilitating money transfers through your account?
- Did you respond to an email requesting you to CONFIRM, UPDATE, OR PROVIDE your account information?
Contact the Bank IMMEDIATELY if you think you’ve fallen victim or have provided your account information.
FDIC Consumer Education
The FDIC provides numerous consumer education pieces on their website which include quarterly consumer news articles with helpful information for all consumers as well as online videos on consumer issues like how to better protect your computer and yourself from identity theft, and steps to take if you have been victimized. The presentation: Don’t Be an On-Line Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams is on the FDIC’s website.
