An Update from us on COVID-19 Anti-Scam Alert

We would like to remind everyone that scammers and con-artists have been extremely active due to COVID-19. While some may go for your money, others may go for your personal information.

 

3 THINGS TO REMEMBER

1. Keep Confidential Information Confidential
   If we reach out to you, we won't ask for confidential information - such as your name, full social security number, username, password, PIN or other account information. For more information, visit: www.ftc.gov/coronavirus
    
2. Scammers Can Spoof Phone Numbers
   If you receive a call from anyone asking for sensitive information, as mentioned above, even if it appears to be from our bank, please do not provide it to them.
    
3. Remain Vigilant for Scams Related to COVID-19
   Be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19. Cyber actors have been sending emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites attempting to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Organizations are encouraged to caution staff and customers in handling any email with a COVID-19 related subject line, attachment or hyperlink.
    

COMMON SCAMS

• Phishing and supply scams. Scammers impersonate health organizations and businesses to gather personal and financial information or sell fake test kits, supplies, vaccines or cures for COVID-19.
   
• Charity scams. Fraudsters seek donations for illegitimate or non-existent organizations.
   
• Malware scams. Delivery of malware through “virus-tracking apps” or sensationalized news reports.
   
• Provider scams. Scammers impersonate doctors and hospital staff and contact victim claiming to have treated a relative or friend for COVID-19 and demand payment for treatment.
   
• Bank/FDIC scams: Scammers impersonate FDIC or bank employees and falsely claim that banks are limiting access to deposits or that there are security issues with bank deposits.
   
• Investment scams. These are often styled as “research reports,” claiming that products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19.

 

STIMULUS CHECK SCAMS

• Offer early access to payment. There is no exact timeline for when eligible consumers will receive economic impact payments. Anyone who promises early or fast payment in exchange for personal information is most likely a scammer.
   
• Use suspicious phrases. The IRS has stated that the official term for payments is “economic impact payment.” If you receive any correspondence using the phrases “stimulus check” or “stimulus payment,” it may be a clue that a fraudster trying to take your cash.
   
• Send “phishy” emails or texts. Government agencies will never correspond through email or text message. If you receive a message with a link asking you to register online in order to receive your economic impact payment, you are most likely being scammed. Do not click on the link.
   
• Make bogus phone calls and texts asking for personal information. Consumers do not need to take any action to receive their economic impact payment. If you receive a phone call or text from someone claiming to be from your bank or a government agency asking to verify your personal information, hang up immediately and call your bank or report it to the IRS.
   
• Mail a phony check. Some scammers will send out fake checks—with either the correct or incorrect economic impact payment amount—and require the recipient to verify personal information in order to cash it. The only mail correspondence you should receive will come from the IRS in the form of a letter with information on how the economic impact payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the payment.