Fraud Alerts
The following is information about alerts that we believe may be pertinent for our customers to be aware of. This could include scams, fraud alerts, data breaches and general information regarding on-going schemes. Visit our Protect Your Information page to learn more about how to guard against identity theft.
Say ‘I do’ To Cyber Safety
More than ever before, mobile devices are the preferred planning tool for couples preparing to tie the knot. For better or for worse, 92 percent of brides-to-be (and some grooms, too!) are checking off to-do lists virtually via their smartphones. The icing on the cake is that these devices can be used for researching gowns, tuxes and various vendors, sharing announcements, managing registries and honeymoon travel and creating personal websites. With the whirlwind of emotions leading up to your wedding, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) proposes
several tried-and-true tips to help ensure that this special time in your life is safe and secure. Click this ‘I do’ Cyber Safety Tip Sheet for more information.
Hy-Vee
Payment card data incident announced at Hy-Vee on August 14th, 2019. Updates can be found on their website at https://www.hy-vee.com/corporate/news-events/announcements/notice-of-payment-card-data-incident/.
Capital One Compromise
Approximately 140,000 Social Security numbers and 80,000 linked bank account numbers belonging to Capital One credit card customers were compromised according to a statement made by the company on July 29th, 2019. Capital One has identified and immediately fixed the configuration vulnerability that allowed the hacker to exploit their system. They have promised to reach out to affected account holders to provide free credit monitoring and identity protection.
Marriott reveals breach affecting up to 500 million guests
Marriott on Friday revealed a massive breach of personal information — possibly including payment card data — for up to 500 million guests who made reservations at hotels in the Starwood chain, which Marriott acquired in 2016. Marriott said that it discovered on Sept. 8, 2018, that the Starwood reservation database had been breached by hackers since 2014. For 327 million guests, the compromised information included names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, hotel loyalty numbers and dates of birth.
Marriott said for some of these guests, encrypted payment card data was accessed as well. “There are two components needed to decrypt the payment card numbers, and at this point, Marriott has not been able to rule out the possibility that both were taken,” the company said. Marriott said that it began notifying affected guests on Friday.
Starwood brands affected by the breach include Aloft, Element, Design Hotels, Four Points, Le Meridien, Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Sheraton, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels, Westin and Starwood-branded timeshares. As of 2014, there were more than 1,200 Starwood hotel properties, which would make this one of the largest hotel company data breaches in recent years. Click here for more information.
FBI warns of hackers on Direct Deposits
The FBI is warning of increased hacks into online payroll accounts. Here is how it works:
• It starts with a phishing email that tricks you into forking over your login credentials. That email can look very, very real, the FBI says.
• Once the scammer has your credentials, the scammer can now use it to access your payroll account to change the direct deposit.
• That money is then typically directly deposited onto prepaid cards that are used to get cash withdrawals from ATMs/make purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, etc.
Farmers Bank & Trust does not have self-service direct deposit that allows users to change deductions or direct deposit through your login, but please be aware of these types of scams. If you receive an email like this, please delete the email immediately.
For more information click here.
Microsoft Scam
Individuals have reported receiving calls from Microsoft stating that they credited money to your account in error and that you must repay them what you owe by purchasing gift cards or other means. These scammers will ask you to log into your online banking, where they will hack in and transfer money between your accounts to appear like you did receive a credit from them. If you receive this type of call, contact your financial institution immediately and do not reply to the callers.
Suspicious Phone Calls
If you receive a phone call appearing to be from Farmers Bank and the caller asks you for personal information, hang up immediately and call the bank back directly to verify the call is legitimate. Toll-free 877-798-2411
It’s the time of year where scammers are out looking for a quick payday. If you get any phone calls from someone that is requesting money or says you are receiving money, please be very cautious in dealing with them.
We had an employee at the bank that had a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be with the Grant Department of the US Government saying that the employee qualified for a $9,000.00 grant for filing taxes early. You can go to the Federal Trade Commission website to read more about these types of scams.
There is also a scam that has surfaced locally that involves someone calling, claiming to be a family member, and requesting bail money. If you receive a phone call like this one, please call the person that is supposedly in jail and verify their whereabouts. For more information please go to the Federal Trade Commission website to read more about this type of scam.
Tax Fraud
Tax identity fraud takes place when a criminal files a false tax return using a stolen Social Security number in order to fraudulently claim the refund. Identity thieves generally file false claims early in the year and victims are unaware until they file a return and learn one has already been filed in their name. Click here for Tax Fraud Tips.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that freezes your computer or mobile device until a sum of money is paid. It can destroy personal and business files, leading to stolen data and large financial losses. Courtesy of the ABA read more about Ransomware here.
Lottery Scams
Lottery and sweepstakes scams are one of the most common consumer frauds operating today. According to the FTC, these scams were the third-most common type of fraud reported to the agency in 2017. These scams, commonly referred to as the “advance fee,” “lottery” or “sweepstake” scam, involve fraudsters issuing counterfeit checks and fake award letters to consumers who have allegedly won a lottery or sweepstake raffle. The consumer, who most likely never entered the alleged drawing, is issued a check worth more than the amount owed and instructed to pay taxes and fees before receiving their lump sum payment. Unfortunately, the check — in addition to the raffle — is bogus. Click here to view a few tips to keep in mind to protect yourself. Five Ways to Spot a Lottery Scam.
Money Wiring Scams
The Federal Trade Commission has released a video showing common money wiring scams. To learn more visit http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0079-money-wiring-scams.
Fraudulent Emails and Phone Calls
Beware of emails from legitimate businesses and government agencies asking for personal information over the phone or email. Criminals are creating emails to appear as though they are from legitimate sources, in order to trick consumers into downloading dangerous malware or pass along personal information. If you feel there is a concern, contact the companies or agencies directly.