At Charles River Bank, your safety is top priority. As we wrap up this month and head into the holiday season, it is the perfect time to make sure you’re protected from online scams. Online scams can happen to anyone, and they are getting harder to spot. Scammers are more sophisticated, and they will even coach you as to how to answer questions your Banker may ask during a transaction. A few simple habits can keep your personal and financial information safe.
Tell us immediately if this is happening to you! We can help you before it’s too late. Because once your money is gone, you can’t get it back. By staying alert and informed, you can help protect yourself and your accounts from fraud.
Watch for These Red Flags:
Unexpected Messages
Be cautious of emails, text, or calls asking for personal information or account details. Charles River Bank will not reach out to you for your password, PIN, SSN, or account numbers by email, text, or phone call.
Urgent or Threatening Language
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency or pressure to make you act quickly without thinking.
Suspicious Links or Attachments
Don’t click on something in a message unless you are absolutely sure who/where the message is coming from.
Unusual Payment Methods
Avoid sending payments by gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, QR codes, or Venmo/PayPal. These requests are very often made by scammers.
Too Good to be True Offers
If something seems too good to be true, chances are, it is.
Common Scam Scenarios
If you experience any of these situations, you are the target of a scam:
- They have taken control of your computer or stolen your identity
- You owe money to the IRS now
- Your utilities will be shut off unless you pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, ATM or QR code
- You are asked to send money to cover fees and taxes because you’ve won the lottery
- They have “accidentally” transferred you money and you need to send it back
- A friend/relative is being held captive, is stuck somewhere, or has been arrested and needs cash immediately
- There is a warrant out for your arrest
- You or your family members are threatened
- They have sent you a check and will give you a fee for cashing
Or any other scenario that makes you feel uneasy.
What to Do When You Suspect a Scam:
Stop and think! Don’t click any link or respond until you have verified that the message is from a trusted source. If anything is suspicious, delete it, empty your trash, and block the sender.*
(*Note: if you do click a link from an email or text that results in fraudsters accessing your computer, bank accounts, etc., don’t delete it until you report it to the police. Law enforcement can sometimes obtain important information about the source of the message.)
Report it. If you provide any personal or financial information via a call, email, or text, notify your bank right away using the number found on the back of your bank card or other verified source. Contact Charles River Bank directly at 508.533.8661. If you feel threatened in any way, experience actual financial loss, or identity theft, report it to your local police. Contact credit reporting agencies to protect your credit.
www.experian.com, www.transunion.com, and www.equifax.com
You Are Not Alone!
Here are some resources to learn more about online scams and tips to keep yourself safe:
