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Prevent Fraud -
Report Fraud
- Common Fraud -
ATM Security -Computer
Security Tips
Criminals have become more sophisticated in using the Internet to obtain
valid personal information for illegal purposes. Chat rooms, email, message
boards, surveys, and fake websites have been used as a means to obtain
money, bank account numbers or personal information. Be aware of potential
scams to avoid becoming a victim.
Advance-Fee Scams
The perpetrator of this scam will appear to have a genuine reason for not
being able to conduct a transaction on their own, and will ask you to
deposit cashiers checks or money orders into your account and wire all or a
portion of the money back to them or to someone else that is out-of-state
or overseas. The cashiers checks or money orders are actually stolen or
fake, but by the time this is known, the customer has wired the requested
money to the perpetrator.
Carefully review any online offer when it is necessary to mail or wire
transfer the payment prior to receiving the benefit, particularly if it is
sent to a PO Box or overseas. Always be suspicious if an unfamiliar person
contacts you in this context.
Lottery Scam
The victim of this scam is notified that they have won a lottery that they
did NOT enter. The customer is informed that a check will be sent to them
and that they must wire funds to cover the taxes incurred on the winnings.
In reality, the check the victim receives is fraudulent and will be
returned, but usually not until the “taxes” have been wired to the
perpetrator.
Inheritance Scam
A similar scheme involves the notification that a distant relative or friend
has passed away (or a similar variation of the story) and inheritance tax
must be paid upfront before the inheritance is sent. The check the victim
receives is fraudulent and will be returned, but usually long after the
“tax” has been wired to the perpetrator.
“Phishing”
This type of fraud occurs when criminals pose as a financial institution
online in an attempt to obtain confidential customer information. A
“phishing” website will often trick customers because they closely replicate
the company’s legitimate website.
“Phishing” is a play on the word “fishing” because thieves will bait
customers for confidential information such as social security numbers or
credit card numbers by posing as the individual’s bank or credit card
company. The information gathered through these schemes is then used to make
fraudulent charges to credit cards, to withdraw money from bank accounts, or
for the purpose of identity theft.
“Phishing” victims are commonly targeted through an unsolicited email or
pop-up window. The message may appear to be from a valid company, stating a
reason for requesting the confidential information and asking the recipient
to link to a “secure site” to input the information. The site is not
secure
at all; it is only a close replica of the true site.
Known “phishing” attacks have been disguised as emails from venders such as
E-Bay or PayPal. If you receive an email from either of these companies
requesting personal information, do not reveal any information without first
verifying the source.
If you receive an email, pop-up message, or any type of electronic
request soliciting personal account or password information, NEVER follow
the link or provide the requested information.
Peoples Bank would never contact a customer online to ask for confidential
information or confirm information we already have. If you receive a suspicious
email from Peoples Bank, please inform us immediately at (219) 853-7600 or
contact your local Banking Center. You should
also report suspicious activity or email communications to the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC). Send the actual email you received to
spam@uce.gov. If you believe your
information has been compromised, learn how to
report the fraud in order to fully resolve the issue.
Identity Theft
Identity theft, the most escalated type of fraud, occurs when someone
illegally obtains your personal information such as your Social Security
number, bank account number, or other identification, and uses it repeatedly
to open new accounts or initiate transactions in your name. This can cause
financial loss and damage your credit, which can lead to a lengthy
resolution process.
Identity theft is portrayed as a high-tech crime affecting only those people
who shop, communicate, or do business online. However, while thieves can
obtain personal information via online methods, the majority of identity
theft occurs offline. Stealing wallets and purses, intercepting or rerouting
your mail, and rummaging through your garbage are some of the common tactics
that thieves can use to obtain personal information.
To learn more about identity theft, you can reference the Federal Trade
Commission:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
Peoples Bank takes the security of customers’ confidential information very
seriously.
Your financial well-being is important to us. We want to protect your good
credit, personal information and your hard earned money! Please further
educate yourself by viewing our safety tips
to prevent fraud.
If you suspect you have become a victim, learn how to report the fraud in
order to fully resolve the issue.
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