Consumer Alerts

As financial scams grow more advanced, safeguarding personal and business information is essential. From phishing emails to identity theft and AI-generated schemes, fraudsters are constantly developing new tactics. Staying alert and following proven security practices can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Use strong, unique passwords for every account and update them regularly. Weak or reused passwords make it easier for hackers to access multiple accounts once one is compromised. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols helps strengthen protection against brute-force attacks. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security. MFA requires a second form of […]

New data from Alloy’s 2025 Financial Fraud Report reveals a sharp increase in financial fraud, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention measures. The report highlights that identity theft, account takeovers, and synthetic identity fraud have surged as criminals leverage advanced technology and stolen data to exploit financial systems. With digital transactions at an all-time high, both consumers and businesses face heightened risks of falling victim to sophisticated scams. The findings also show that fraudsters are increasingly using automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to bypass traditional security checks. While real-time fraud monitoring and enhanced authentication remain critical tools to combatting fraud, […]

Fraudsters prey on distraction—especially during busy times of year. We often see an increase in phishing scams that appear to come from trusted retailers or banks. If you receive a text message or call about a “suspicious charge” on your MVSB debit card and something doesn’t feel right, don’t respond or click any links. Instead, contact us directly at 603.279.7986 for assistance. These scams can be very convincing, often using familiar logos, urgent language, or spoofed phone numbers to trick you into sharing personal information. Remember, legitimate financial institutions will never ask for your full card number, PIN, or online […]

Check fraud is on the rise across the country, with financial institutions reporting a surge in altered, stolen, and counterfeit checks. Criminals are increasingly targeting mailboxes and using sophisticated methods to wash or duplicate checks, leading to significant financial losses for individuals and businesses alike. The Federal Reserve has responded by launching a new online toolkit designed to help you recognize red flags, report suspicious activity, and safeguard your financial information. These educational resources emphasize the importance of vigilance and proactive prevention. Consumers are encouraged to monitor accounts regularly, use secure mail options, and adopt digital payment methods when possible. The toolkit also […]

A recent article from Forbes explains how artificial intelligence continues to transform industries and new doors for sophisticated fraud schemes that threaten both consumers and businesses. Experts warn that AI-generated scams—ranging from deep fake videos to voice cloning and synthetic identities—are eroding public trust in digital interactions. The rise of these deceptive technologies has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between legitimate communications and fraudulent ones, creating a growing sense of uncertainty. To combat this crisis, organizations are being urged to adopt advanced verification systems, transparent communication practices, and stronger cybersecurity frameworks. Building trust now requires more than just secure technology—it […]

As cyberthreats continue to evolve, small businesses are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs of digital criminals. According to a recent article from Forbes, many small enterprises underestimate their vulnerability or simply lack the internal support and resources needed to combat the growing threats of ransomware, phishing, and data breaches that can cripple operations overnight. The financial and reputational damage from a single cyberattack can be devastating. Beyond immediate financial losses, small businesses face long-term consequences such as customer distrust, regulatory penalties, and costly recovery efforts. Experts emphasize that cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s a fundamental part of doing business in […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is alerting consumers to a new wave of phone scams in which fraudsters impersonate FTC officials, including commissioners, to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money. According to a recent consumer alert, scammers are using spoofed phone numbers and official-sounding language to make their calls appear legitimate, often threatening legal action or promising financial rewards to pressure victims into compliance. The FTC emphasizes that its commissioners and staff will never call consumers to demand payment, ask for sensitive information, or threaten arrest. These tactics are classic signs of a scam, and the agency […]

A recent Forbes article explores the intriguing link between personality traits and susceptibility to scams, shedding light on why some individuals are more likely to fall victim than others. According to research cited in the article, people who score high in traits such as agreeableness and openness may be more trusting and, as a result, more vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. Conversely, those who are naturally skeptical or cautious tend to be better at spotting red flags and avoiding scams. The article highlights that scammers often tailor their tactics to exploit specific personality characteristics. For example, highly agreeable individuals may respond […]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers about a surge in unwanted and unlawful telemarketing calls linked to the online sharing of personal information. Many people are unknowingly exposing themselves to aggressive telemarketing tactics by entering their details on websites that may sell or misuse their data. The FTC emphasizes that even seemingly legitimate online forms can lead to a flood of unsolicited calls, some of which may violate federal regulations. Telemarketers often purchase or obtain lists of phone numbers from online sources, targeting individuals who have filled out forms for sweepstakes, quotes, or other offers. In many cases, […]

A recent survey from TransUnion has revealed that businesses are losing a significant portion of their revenue to fraud, with some reporting losses as high as 10%. The findings highlight the growing threat of fraudulent activity in the corporate world, affecting companies of all sizes and industries. As digital transactions and online business operations expand, organizations are facing increasingly sophisticated schemes that target their financial assets. The survey, conducted among a diverse group of businesses, found that fraud is not only widespread but also costly. Many respondents indicated that they have experienced multiple types of fraud, including payment fraud, cyberattacks, […]