Online Security 101
Online Security 101
More and more we see, read or hear about individuals being taken advantage of by Internet fraud and Monson Savings Bank realizes the importance of having a well-informed public on this issue. In an attempt to educate our customers and the general public, Monson Savings Bank is proud to introduce Online Security 101.
Online Security 101 is designed to keep our customers, as well as the general public, informed on the Internet fraud scams that are taking place, and to also help educate people on the importance of online security, as well as what to look out for when releasing personal information over the internet.
Our goal at Monson Savings Bank is to provide a safe, secure and efficient product for our customers, and we find that it is vital for our consumers to be aware of what is out there.
Watch Out For Phishing Scams
"Phishing," (pronounced "fishing") is becoming a more widely used form of online fraud. It involves the use of what seems to be legitimate email messages and internet websites in an attempt to deceive consumers into providing their personal information. The main purpose of the phishing scam is to obtain personal information such as social security numbers, credit or debit card numbers, bank account and routing numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs) and even the passwords and ids consumers use to log into any account they have online.
Most email phishing schemes are performed by requesting the recipient of the email to either "update" or "validate" their financial or personal information in order to maintain their accounts; this in turn directs the person to a fraudulent site that will look like a legitimate online business website. In order to further deceive the consumer into believing the email was from a legitimate business the recipient has a relationship with, the perpetrator will use what might appear to be valid bank logos, web links and various graphics. Once at the "fake" site, you will be prompted to enter your personal information into required fields. Any information disclosed on these sites will grant the perpetrator access to whatever information you may have. Whether it is bank accounts or credit card numbers, the perpetrator will have found out your user ID, password, account number, credit or debit card number and even your social security number.
Please be assured however, under NO circumstances will Monson Savings Bank ask you to verify your information online. We know who you are. If you have any concerns about an e-mail that you think came from Monson Savings Bank, please call us to verify it.
If you have additional security questions or need to contact us about stolen information or fraudulent activity, please call 413-267-4646.
Identity Theft
Download this comprehensive guide on Identity Theft: Identity Theft
Have you been the victim of an Internet Crime?
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).The IC3's mission is to serve as a vehicle to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. more
Home Equity Scam Alert
Due to newly released information regarding a Home Equity Scam we have enhanced our security procedures when honoring requests for advances from Home Equity Lines of Credit. Please contact the Loan Center directly with any questions at 413-267-4513. For information on Home Equity Lines of Credit or Loans visit www.monsonloans.com.
Can You Spot a Scam?
Test your knowledge of common frauds and their warning signs by taking this quiz.
Safety Tips That Reduce Your Exposure To Fraud
ABA Warns Bankers About Fraudulent E-Mail
ABA's name is being used in a phishing e-mail, the association learned. The e-mail informs recipients that an "unauthorized transaction" has been charged to their account using their bank card. The amount of the transaction is listed, and recipients are asked to click on a link to review the transaction.
The e-mail is fraudulent, and recipients should not click on the link.
While phishing for personal financial information has been a long-standing practice, criminals are increasingly phishing for access to corporate, small- business and governmental accounts, and they are using that access to withdraw large sums of money from them. Clicking on links in such e-mails could enable the fraudsters to download malicious software into victims' computers and steal passwords and other account identifiers.
ABA is working with law enforcement to identify the source of the e-mails and to disrupt them. ABA also is encouraging banks to warn their customers—especially business customers—to beware of similar phishing schemes.
Mystery/Secret Shopper Employment FBI E-Scams Warning
A warning has been issued by the FBI regarding email and U.S. mail scams involving employment schemes pertaining to mystery/secret shopper positions. As part of the scheme, the shopper receives a check to be deposited into the employee's bank account and funds are then wired to the employer. The check is a counterfeit and the shopper is responsible for the loss. Click here for more information.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is reminding financial institutions, businesses and consumers that fraudulent correspondence claiming to be from the FDIC continues to be mailed, faxed and e-mailed in the United States and other countries. The correspondence uses various techniques to gain the trust of recipients in hopes they will provide sensitive personal information, including bank account numbers that can be used to steal money and other assets. Recipients should NOT, under any circumstances, respond to the fraudulent requests. Institutions also are encouraged to inform customers that fraud artists may use the names of the FDIC and other government agencies and to take appropriate precautions.
The criminals, knowing that people trust the FDIC name, have duplicated the official logo and seal in fraudulent letters, forms, certificates and other correspondence. Recent examples have included invoices, bills, transfer forms, guarantees, endorsements, and confirmations of stock and investment purchases. In some cases, recipients were asked to complete fraudulent forms and return them by fax or e-mail. In other cases, recipients were asked to remit funds via check or wire transfer service.
The FDIC rarely sends unsolicited bills or other similar documents to financial institutions, businesses and consumers. In particular, the FDIC does not send unsolicited correspondence asking for sensitive personal information, including bank account information. Anyone receiving such correspondence should contact the FDIC immediately by calling toll-free at 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342) or by e-mailing to alert@fdic.gov. Do not use contact information listed for the FDIC in the correspondence because it is likely to be falsified.
Counterfeit Money Orders
ICBA Warns Consumers: Be Wary of Fraudulent Cashier's Checks.
