Consumer Alerts

The U.S. Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports of individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice, calling members of the public as part of an imposter scam. The department strongly encourages consumers to remain vigilant and to not provide personal information during these calls, which appear to target seniors. Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline indicate that these scammers falsely represent themselves as Department of Justice investigators or employees. They attempt to obtain personal information from the recipient, or they leave a voicemail with a return phone number. The return phone number directs users […]

We have received reports of a new scam involving fraudulent Amazon refunds. Many Amazon customers have been recently contacted by phone from an ‘Amazon representative’ to issue refunds they were not expecting. In some instances customers were told the refund is a result of fraud on their Amazon account, and at other times customers are told they were overcharged for a previous purchase. The scam works this way:A representative instructs the customer to sign into their computer to allow the representative remote access to it. The customer is then directed to Amazon and instructed to log in. Once logged on, […]

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.