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Fraud Alert: November 6, 2008
Phishers Targeting High-Profile Financial Institution Mergers, Acquisitions and Failures
FDIC recently issued an alert warning banks, businesses and consumers about fraudulent e-mails allegedly from or related to financial institutions that have been the subject of recent news stories.
The bogus e-mails typically ask recipients to verify computer logon credentials, update personal information or activate new online security features. In reality, they simply want personal information to conduct identity theft.
FDIC suggested these precautions:
• Do not follow Web links in unsolicited e-mails from apparent financial institutions. Instead, use Web browser bookmarks or type your institution's Web address into the browser address bar when accessing your bank's Web site or online banking services.
• Always use anti-virus software and ensure the virus signatures are automatically updated. Ensure the computer operating system and common software applications are up-to-date with security patches installed.
• Do not open unsolicited or unexpected e-mail attachments claiming to be from a financial institution because of the risk of malicious code or software. As a precaution, call the financial institution using an appropriate telephone number, such as one from an account statement, to validate the e-mail and attached file before opening any attachment.
• Be aware that phishing e-mails frequently use new and innovative ways to trick recipients into providing logon credentials and confidential information, or unleashing malicious code.
• Regularly review financial account statements and immediately report any discrepancies to your institution.
• Be mindful that financial institutions generally deliver notices to consumers in writing about changes in account terms and conditions unless the consumer previously agreed to receive the notice electronically.
Read more at www.fdic.gov.
Fraud Alert: September 10, 2008
It has come to our attention that Century Bank customers recently received phone calls from “the bank” requesting account information. These customers were told that we needed their account numbers since they had been erased off the system. Anyone receiving a call like should not give the caller any personal or account information. If you have caller ID, please record the number that the call is being made from and notify us immediately.
Fraud Alert Update: July 01, 2008
It has come to our attention that fraudulent Century Bank checks are being circulated in the name of:
- Atlas Financial Trust Inc.
- Sun Lite Financial Inc.
- Standard Trust Inc.
- City Financial Inc.
- United Services Inc.
- LexJet Corporation Inc.
- Standard Trust Financial Services
- United Access Financial Inc.
- BBM Financial Services Inc.
These checks are drawn on Century Bank account #100133243 RT# 263190757 and range from $3,875 to $4,890.
The checks are being mailed with a letter that states: "Final Notice on your prize winning" or "Shopper's Sweepstakes". The unsuspecting recipient of the check deposits it and follows instructions to send money back via a Money Gram. The check eventually bounces and the recipient may lose large sums of money. If you receive any letter asking you to send personal or banking information please do not reply.
To report the scam you can send the letter to your local FBI office, or bring the letter to your local post office and ask for it to be given to the Postal Inspector. To register a complaint on line go to The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel.
Some Tips to Avoid Mail Fraud
- Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your cooperation.
- Guard your account information carefully.
- Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as foreign government or contest officials asking for your help in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts.
For more information on safe banking practices click here.
