Consumer Alerts

Local consumers have reported suspicious phone calls appearing to come from Meredith Village Savings Bank or other local financial institutions. The caller ID information displayed on such calls is “spoofed” to look like it came from the bank. Please remember, Meredith Village Savings Bank will not contact you for financial payment information such as your account or debit card number. These calls are fraudulent and are not being made by MVSB or any other local financial institution. If you receive a phone call like this, please hang up and do not provide any information. If you believe you may have […]

Beware of an increase in Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card swapping. A SIM card swap happens when a hacker pretends to be you and convinces your mobile device carrier to switch your phone number over to a SIM card that they own. A SIM card is the tiny memory chip inside a mobile device that carries an identification number unique to that owner. It stores the personal data for the owner and device. If it’s disabled or removed, your device will stop working. This swap can be easily done if the hacker has enough information to answer the security questions […]

We have seen an increase in instances for fake flash pop-ups such as the “Fake Flash Player Update”, which tricks people into downloading software, only to wreak havoc on their systems and networks. This scam is distributed through deceptive and unofficial websites that imitate real products. With an uptick in people working from home, we advise that you remain vigilant. It is always good practice to first check with your IT department before downloading any applications or software updates. You also should be careful not to do this on your home computer. If you are concerned that you may have […]

Our Risk Management Team has been made aware that an Amazon Update Payment Information Email Scam has recently resurfaced. The fraudulent emails notify you that there was an issue with the billing information on an Amazon order you recently placed and, as a result, your Amazon account and all pending orders have been placed hold.  There is a link within the email that directs you to “Update Now.” When clicked you are brought to a phony Amazon site asking you to enter personal information, such as your billing name, address and telephone number as well as your debit or credit […]

Our Risk Management Department has learned that local community members have received fraudulent calls about their computer’s “subscriptions” becoming out of date.  The caller indicates that they need either access to the person’s computer, and often threatens that person will be charged a hefty fee if they don’t allow the access. If you receive one of these calls, we recommend that you hang up.  You should never provide personal information if someone has called you unless you have validated that the phone number and person/company calling are legitimate.  Contact your local law enforcement or file a complaint with White Pages. […]

Our Risk Management Department noted that there has been an uptick in “smishing” attacks.   Smishing is when a fraudster sends you a text message with a malicious link or virus. A common example is getting fake package tracking information that claim to be from FedEx, UPS, US Postal Service or other delivery companies.  The text includes a link – and if you click it you can either download a virus, or you will be asked for personal information that could be used to steal your identity, such as your date of birth, social security number or credit card information. Another […]

The Belknap County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public of a scam that is recirculating this year. It has been reported that fraudsters are calling local individuals pretending to be someone from the Belknap County Sheriff’s Department attempting to con victims into providing sensitive account information over the phone. Belknap County has received complaints from residents stating that a fraudster posing as an employee with Belknap County Sheriff’s Department calls and tells them they owe fees or that there is a warrant out for their arrest for failing to show for jury duty. It is likely that the fraudster is […]

Local Businesses: We’ve been made aware of an increase in counterfeit $100 bills circulating in the area. We encourage you to take a moment to refresh your employees on currency identification procedures. Click here for a copy of the Secret Service’s Know Your Money Guide.

A particularly alarming form of malware continues to impact businesses and consumers. “Ransomware” is a harmful software that restricts access to an infected computer and requests that the victim pay ransom in order to regain control of the system, files or accounts. The fraudster perpetrating the ransomware may even monitor the victim’s activity for a period prior to deploying the scam so that they can display actual personal or financial information to scare the victim into paying the ransom. Computers are generally infected with the ransomware when the victim receives a phony email claiming to be from a government agency, […]

Please be aware that area consumers have reported receiving suspicious phone calls that appear to be coming from Meredith Village Savings Bank and other local financial institutions. The caller ID information displayed is “spoofed” to appear as though it originated from the bank. Meredith Village Savings Bank won’t contact you requesting financial payment information such as your account or debit card number. These calls are fraudulent and are not being made by MVSB or any other local financial institution. Should you receive a phone call of this nature, please hang up and do not provide any information. If you’ve received […]