If you get an unusual pop-up message, call or email that your computer has been infected with a virus, it is a scammer posing as a tech support specialist from a legitimate company. Scammers attempt to access to your device with a false promise to fix “virus issues.” Clicking a link or allowing someone remote access to your device permits them to then install harmful malware or steal your personal information. AARP offers the following tips to protect yourself:Close out of a popup or browser, or reboot your computer if you can’t get rid of it. Never click on any […]
Consumer Alerts
Sudden Changes to Wire Information by Email are Red Flag for Fraud Scam
Consider this: You are purchasing a new property and have been emailing your lawyer to iron out the details. You get an email that you need to wire the $45,000 down payment. But it states the wire information previously sent to you has changed and you will need to wire the money to a different account. The email address seems legitimate based on previous communications, so you wire the money. But the money is actually wired to a scammer and never seen again. So, what happened? A scammer has compromised the sender’s email account and has sent a message that […]
Over $10 Billion Lost to Financial Scams in the US in 2023
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced the top scams of 2023. The report detailed that a record $10 billion was lost to scams last year, up $1 billion from 2022. Email was the primary contact method for scammers with imposter scams – where fraudster poses as your bank, a government agency, or a relative in distress, for example – claiming losses of $2.7 billion. The FTC also reported that younger adults were scammed most frequently, but older adults saw higher financial losses due to scams. One way to avoid becoming a victim is to stay informed about the latest […]
Don’t Fall for a Fake Fraud Alert Claiming to be from MVSB
We have been alerted to scam text messages and phone calls posing as MVSB and other local banks. The message/caller may state that an account transfer has been scheduled for a large dollar amount and ask you to click on a link or provide confidential information, such as your account or card number or online banking credentials, to verify. Remember: Never click on a suspicious link you receive by text and do not provide with sensitive information in response to an unsolicited text or call. Doing so will put your phone, your accounts and your identity at risk. It’s easy […]
Beware of Fake Calls and Texts from the Bank
Local residents are receiving calls, emails and text messages from fraudsters posing as bank employees asking for online banking, account and debit card information or to verify fake charges. If you are contacted asking for information about your MVSB accounts, please do not respond and call us directly for assistance. Communications from fraudsters can be convincing and they may even “spoof” the caller ID to appear as though the call is from a local bank number. Be wary of communication you aren’t expecting and remember, we will not ask for sensitive information via phone, email or text unless you have […]
Boss Asking for Gift Cards Over Text Message? It’s a Scam.
Consider this scenario You receive the following text message from your supervisor: “This is Mike, I am in an important meeting right now and need a favor. Would you mind running to a nearby store to grab 5 $100 gift cards for a retirement party tonight? I forgot to go earlier and don’t have time. Send me a photo of the claim code on the back to save time. Thanks.” It may seem like a simple request, but it is actually an impersonation scam. Fraudsters use a sense of trust and urgency to trick employees into sending funds via gift […]
Watch for Scammers During Tax Season
It’s tax season and the Federal Trade Commission urges all consumers and businesses to keep an eye out for scammers impersonating the IRS. Scammers send out fake text messages and emails regarding tax rebates or benefits in an attempt to get you to click on a malicious link or attachment. While the messages may look legitimate, it is best to never click on links or attachments in unexpected texts. You could be opening yourself up to identity theft or malware. Remember, the IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. […]
Email Compromise Can Happen to Your Business
We have been alerted to a significant increase in Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes targeting local businesses. Please remember: it can happen to anyone – even if you have solid information security protocols in place. In recent instances, the email accounts of local business owners or employees AND vendors they work with are compromised. The scammers get to know you and your business by intercepting and reviewing your confidential emails. This makes the communication to you and your employees exceptionally realistic and convincing. When fraudulent requests to update account information or make a payment are received, you or your employees […]
Protect Yourself by Knowing the Signs of Card Skimming
There have been many recent reports of card skimmers present at large retail stores across New Hampshire, including at Walmart and Market Basket in Concord. To best protect your financial information, it’s important to understand how these devices work and to be alert to be alert when using your card. Card skimmers are illegal devices installed on card readers to capture the information stored on the card’s magnetic strip. This information includes your name, card number, expiration date, and security (CVV) code. In some cases, the fraudster will also add a microscopic camera or key logging device to capture additional […]
Payroll Scam Targets Your Business and Your Employees
Did you receive an email from one of your employees asking you to change their bank account for direct deposit? It could be scam. In a recent wave of payroll diversion scams, cybercriminals will impersonate your employee and email your payroll manager to update their bank account information for payroll direct deposit. The email may come from a legitimate company email that has been compromised or a fake email that appears to be authentic. If the change is completed, your employee’s paycheck is sent to an account set up by the scammer. Training employees to be cautious when receiving requests […]
