Consumer Alerts

National Financial Crime Fighter Day, observed on October 26, recognizes the professionals who work to protect the financial system from fraud, money laundering and other financial crimes. The observance also serves as a reminder that consumers play an important role in preventing financial crime by staying alert to unexpected calls, texts and emails that demand immediate action or request account information. Fraud prevention starts with everyday habits. Never share your online banking password, one-time security codes or full Social Security number in response to an unsolicited message. Review your account activity regularly, use strong and unique passwords, enable multifactor authentication […]

Online scams can arrive by email, text message, phone call, social media or a website that appears legitimate. Scammers often create a sense of urgency by claiming there is a problem with your account, a missed payment or suspicious activity. Before clicking a link or sharing personal information, pause and verify the request independently. Visit the organization’s official website or mobile app directly, or call a trusted phone number rather than using contact information provided in an unexpected message. Help protect your information by using strong, unique passwords and enabling multifactor authentication whenever it’s available. Keep your devices and software […]

October is a good time to build smarter credit habits and strengthen your defenses against fraud. Get Smart About Credit Day, observed October 15, encourages consumers to learn about credit, budgeting and responsible financial decisions. Understanding how credit works can also help you recognize suspicious offers, misleading claims and scams designed to misuse your personal information. Protecting your credit starts with protecting your identity. Never share your Social Security number, account credentials, card number or one-time security code in response to an unexpected call, text, email or social media message. Review your account statements and credit reports regularly, use strong […]

As Open Enrollment approaches, the Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers may use paid search advertisements, lookalike websites and official-looking logos to impersonate Medicare or Marketplace services. Be cautious of unexpected calls, emails, texts or online ads that request personal, financial or health insurance information. To verify that you’re using a legitimate resource, type Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov directly into your browser instead of clicking an advertisement or unfamiliar link. Scammers may promise unusually low premiums, demand immediate payment or pressure you to provide your Social Security number, Medicare number, bank account information or other sensitive details. Take time to research […]

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a timely reminder to review the steps you take to protect your personal information and online accounts. In a recent Forbes article, cybersecurity expert Chuck Brooks emphasizes that strong, unique passwords, multifactor authentication, timely software updates and awareness of phishing attempts are essential for protecting against evolving cyber threats. Be cautious with unexpected messages, links and attachments, especially those that create urgency or request account details. Scammers increasingly use convincing emails, texts and phone calls to steal login credentials or install malicious software. Use a password manager to create unique passwords, enable multifactor authentication whenever […]

Scammers are increasingly targeting service members and others by pretending to offer help with debt. According to the FTC, these fraudsters often call out of the blue using official-sounding names and claiming connections to military-affiliated banks or credit bureaus. They may promise access to special “military debt forgiveness” or “veteran debt relief” programs — programs that don’t actually exist. The goal is to trick you into paying upfront fees or diverting payments away from your real lenders, which can damage your credit and even affect your security clearance. The FTC stresses that it’s illegal for debt relief companies to charge […]

The FTC reports a surge in letters sent through the mail claiming you’re entitled to unclaimed life-insurance proceeds from a distant relative. These letters often appear to come from a law firm and say that someone with your last name has died, leaving behind a multimillion-dollar policy. The sender claims they want to help you claim the funds and split the payout. In reality, none of it is true — the “lawyer” isn’t a lawyer at all, and the life-insurance policy never existed. If you respond, scammers will try to steal your personal information, financial details, or your money. The […]

Our Fraud Mitigation team is alerting customers to a scam that has recently targeted customers of other financial institutions and could become more widespread. In these scams, criminals contact customers by phone and claim that their bank account has been compromised or that suspicious activity has been detected. During the conversation, the caller may create a sense of urgency and then direct the customer to a website link sent by text message or email. While the website may look identical to the customer’s actual online banking site, it is a fraudulent website designed to steal login credentials. When customers enter […]

Military moves often come with tight timelines, last-minute orders, and added stress — which scammers take advantage of through fake rental listings. According to the FTC, some scammers create listings for homes that don’t exist or aren’t actually for rent, while others steal photos from legitimate listings and repost them with below-market prices. Because they cannot show the property, scammers often make excuses for why you can’t visit in person. Another red flag is a “landlord” insisting you pay only by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer to secure the rental— all methods that make it nearly impossible to […]

Scammers are contacting people shopping for health coverage and making their offers sound like real health insurance — when in fact they’re only selling medical discount plans. According to the FTC, these plans don’t provide the comprehensive benefits people expect from legitimate health insurance, and misleading marketers often hide the real limitations until after payment. The agency warns consumers to be wary of sales pitches that feel rushed, overly promotional, or unclear about what services are actually covered. The FTC recommends confirming exactly what you’re buying before sharing personal or financial information. Real health insurance must meet specific federal and […]