International Fraud
Awareness Week
Protecting Our Community: International Fraud Awareness Week
International Fraud Awareness Week (November 17-23) is a time dedicated to spreading awareness and providing resources to help individuals and businesses protect themselves against fraud. Staying informed and vigilant is essential in today’s digital world, where scammers continuously evolve their tactics. As a community bank, our priority is safeguarding your finances. This week, we’re sharing insights on common scams, tips to protect yourself, and ways Fleetwood Bank can help you stay secure.
Understanding Common Types of Scams
Fraud can take many forms, but here are some of the most common scams to be aware of:
- Phishing Attacks: Phishing involves scammers posing as legitimate entities, like your bank, a government agency, or an online retailer, to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Phishing attempts are often delivered via email, text message, or phone calls, asking you to click on a link or provide personal details. Remember: Fleetwood Bank will never ask for your personal information via email or text.
- Fake Check Scams: In a fake check scam, fraudsters send a counterfeit check and ask you to deposit it, then send some of the funds back before the check clears. When the check bounces, you’re left responsible for the funds. If something seems too good to be true—like a check from a stranger or unsolicited prize money—it probably is.
- Online Shopping Scams: With the rise in online shopping, fraudsters have created fake websites or social media ads that appear legitimate but are designed to steal your payment information. Always check the URL and look for security indicators (like “https” and a lock icon) before entering payment information online.
- Imposter Scams: In these scams, someone pretends to be a friend, family member, or even a bank representative. They may claim that they need immediate help or say they’re from a government agency, using pressure tactics to get your personal information or money. It’s important to take a step back and verify any unexpected request for information or money.
- Investment Scams: Investment scams involve promises of high returns with little or no risk. These scams often pop up in emails, phone calls, or social media ads. Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, particularly those that pressure you to “act now.”
HOW TO AVOID SCAMS
BLOCK
unwanted calls and messages
RESIST
the pressure to act immediately
KNOW
the different payments scammers ask for (crypto, wire transfers)
REPORT
the incident to your local branch
Tips for Protecting Yourself
At Fleetwood Bank, we believe that knowledge is one of the best defenses against fraud. Here are some tips to help you stay secure:
- Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Frequently check your bank accounts to catch any unauthorized transactions early. Fleetwood Bank’s mobile app and online banking allow you to quickly review account activity anytime.
- Set Up Account Alerts: Enable transaction alerts through our online banking platform to receive notifications of activity on your accounts. This feature can notify you of any unusual or unauthorized transactions.
- Be Wary of Unexpected Requests: If you receive a call, email, or message from someone claiming to represent a business or government agency, verify their identity before sharing any information. Contact the organization directly using official contact information, not numbers or emails provided in the message.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Secure your online accounts with strong passwords, and avoid reusing them across multiple sites. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions: Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure, making it easier for fraudsters to intercept your data. Use a secure, private connection when accessing your financial information online.
How Fleetwood Bank Helps Protect You
At Fleetwood Bank, we are committed to your safety. Our in-house compliance team constantly monitors accounts and transactions for suspicious activity. We also receive updates from federal and local agencies on emerging scams, ensuring that our staff is aware and trained to protect you against new fraud tactics.
Our mobile banking app allows you to set up account alerts, so you can keep a close eye on your accounts. Our retail staff are trained to recognize signs of fraud and are here to assist you. If you are a business, Fleetwood Bank offers cash management services to protect your business from fraud. If you ever receive a suspicious message or call claiming to be from Fleetwood Bank, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to verify its authenticity.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
This International Fraud Awareness Week, we encourage you to take a few simple steps to protect yourself against fraud. By staying vigilant and knowing the warning signs, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
Let’s work together to keep our community safe.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Security and Fraud Information
Security and Fraud Information Day in and day out, our in-house compliance and fraud team is constantly monitoring transactions for any suspicious activity using our robust systems. The compliance team is always reviewing alerts from federal and local agencies about current scams so they can keep all bank employees aware.
Banks Never Ask That
Fraud and Scams Are on the Rise Fleetwood Bank will NEVER call and ask for confidential information over the phone. It has come to our attention that several customers in the area have taken calls from numbers that appear to be from Fleetwood Bank, as presented to them on their
Cash Management
Cash Management allows businesses to: Protect their business account from fraud with Positive Pay Each check must meet four criteria before being paid Easy to upload files through our online banking A few years ago, before we started banking with Fleetwood Bank, our business fell victim to a check-washing scheme.
Check Fraud: What To Look for And How to Prevent It
Check Fraud: What To Look For And How To Prevent It It’s no secret that the days of writing checks have faded away over the years. In fact, according to the Federal Reserve, “the number of checks collected annually has plummeted 82% over the last 30 years.” Even with this
