Our digital security team has been alerted that some NH based banks are seeing attempts by criminals to trick their customers into giving them access to their computers or important non-public personal information, such as the online banking login information, their account numbers or their social security numbers.
Fraudsters know that many local businesses, nonprofits, families and households will have a relationship with the bank or agency that they are claiming to be, so if they keep dialing local numbers, they are bound to find a “customer”. Thus, they can simply reach out – by phone, text, email or mail – to people and businesses in the area. They even use technology to make it look like the call, text or email is coming from a legitimate source, such as your bank.
These people can be very convincing, so it’s completely understandable that local residents might think that they are communicating with the IRS, their bank, the local sheriff or another agency.
Please remember that we will not ask for sensitive information via phone, email or text. Neither will legitimate federal agencies, nonprofits or law enforcement organizations.
If you do receive a communication like this:
- Hang up / Don’t respond
- Check the phone number for the agency, bank or organization that was allegedly calling you on their website or in a phone book. Use that number to call them back.
- Explain to whomever answers that you received a call, text or email from them that you wanted to confirm was legitimate, and they will help you from there.
- If you believe you may have disclosed information, please contact us at 800.922.6872 so we can assist with protecting your accounts and your identity. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), publishes an excellent pamphlet entitled “Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft”. Click here to review it
In 2019, Americans lost $1.9 billion dollars to criminals and fraudsters using scams. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself, your information and your finances. We suggest the following:
- Visit the “Consumer Alerts” section of our website, which we update every time we become aware of a current security issue that could affect our community members
- Follow us online at Facebook and Twitter, especially on Security Saturdays
- Read the “CyberSafe” and “Avoiding Identity Theft” sections of our website’s Financial Education Center
- Check out our Privacy & Security web page
- The American Bankers Association offers excellent resources about protecting yourself at https://www.banksneveraskthat.com/
- Mutual Benefits offers three tiers of membership. The Perks & Protection tier offers Identify Theft Security Center & Restoration services. The Premier Perks & Protection tier offers Ultimate ID Identity Theft Monitoring and Protection Services. Learn more at https://www.mvsb.com/mutual-benefits/or call us at 800.922.6872.
Meredith Village Savings Bank has selected Generations Gold, Inc. (GenGold®), a fully independent third party service provider, to provide travel and other discounted services on an exclusive basis to Mutual Benefits members. All liabilities, claims, damages and demands are the direct responsibility of GenGold®, the provider. Meredith Village Savings Bank and GenGold® are not affiliated. Not all services available in all areas. GenGold® is not FDIC insured or an equal housing lender. Ultimate ID® requires email authentication by the member. Please see mymutualbenefits.com or call 855.378.3898 for complete program details.
