Protect your passwords. Never share passwords and store them securely.
Guard your personal information. Never provide your sensitive information to strangers or unknown callers.
Access your accounts from a secure location. Avoid using public WiFi when feasible.
Enable multi-factor authentication for accounts that support it.
Monitor your accounts regularly.
Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date.
Watch out for phishing scams. Do not click on links or open any attachments from sources you are not familiar with.
Research software you’d like to download or charitable organizations you’d like to contribute to, prior to doing so.
Recognize and avoid bogus websites. Rely on official sources for the most up-to-date information during times of crisis.
Help others by reporting scams (Refer to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center below to report suspected or confirmed scams).

1. Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know and trust.
2. Scammers say there is a problem or tell you that you could win a prize.
3. Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
4. Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way: e.g. via a wire, using a payment app, a gift card, depositing a check – then sending them a portion of the proceeds and keeping the remainder… All of these should seem suspicious.

Read the full document for more details & tips for success: 4 Signs that it is a Scam AND Tips for Success

Scammers are being extremely aggressive in their efforts to take advantage of people due to the increased financial hardship that many are experiencing during this unprecedented time. They are calling businesses and individuals, posing as bank or government employees, asking for bank account information, social security numbers, or other private information. Fraudsters often utilize social media, public records, or information bought on the Dark Web to initiate scams or target them to an individual. Scams that have been detected throughout the course of the Coronavirus include the following:

• Bank and FDIC Scams– A bank or FDIC employee reaches out to you to inform your that banks are starting to limit access to your deposits or that there are security issues with your account. Their end goal is to retrieve your personal banking information.
• Phishing and Supply Scams-A health organization or business claims they have access to important medical testing kits, supplies, vaccines, or even medical cures. They are typically seeking credit, debit card, or account numbers.
• Economic Relief Scams– Scammers contact you posing as a government employee or the IRS. You may be told the only way to receive your money is by being assessed a fee or by providing your private banking information. In reality, the IRS should already have your direct deposit information or address to send a check based on your previous tax returns.
• Investment Scams– Someone wants you to make an investment in their company so they can help support an important cause such as preventing, detecting, or curing a deadly disease. In the end, they will just walk away with your money.
  If you encounter any of these situations, practice extreme caution. Remember, fraudsters may spoof phone numbers so it appears as if the call is coming from your financial institution even when it is not. Never provide personal information to an unsolicited, unknown source.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment systems are wonderful, as long as you stick to paying people you know and trust. If you use peer-to-peer (P2P) payment systems you’re likely confident in what you’re doing. You wouldn’t give a stranger your security codes, let them change your password, or send money to a totally random person. You’re too smart for that, right? In the latest P2P scam, that’s exactly what fraudsters are getting people to do, nationwide!

How it works: 

• They text and/or call you, spoofing their phone number so it looks like the call is coming from a trusted bank in your area, even thought it is not!
• They tell you they work for this bank or for their system processor, and have detected unauthorized or fraudulent transactions on your account.
• They ask a series of questions to try to protect you against this fraud. In reality, no fraudulent transactions have taken place. The fraudster is actually on the other end of the phone, trying to learn more about you, as their next target!
• They will ask for your username, email address, phone number or other sensitive information to “verify your account”. If they are able to collect this information from you, you may get a security code sent to your phone. They will ask for the code to “complete the verification process”. If the code is provided to the fraudster, they now have full access to your account!
• Once they gain access, they will transfer funds to their own accounts, using the P2P payment option from within your online banking account.
• They have shown to be very kind, very professional, and very convincing! They are good at what they do and it is profitable for them. You have to be very aware and diligent to protect yourself!

How can you protect yourself? 

• If anyone calls asking “too many questions” or requesting identifying information and passcodes, put your guard up!
• Know the Bank of Odessa will never call or text you and ask for your account information! We already have it!
• If you ever receive a call from our bank and you are concerned or unsure, hang up and call us directly at 816-633-5331. When you initiate the call, you know you are talking to us!
• Never share passwords or security codes! These codes should always be kept private as they are a second step the bank has in place for your added protection. The bank will never ask for a code that is sent to your device. DO NOT SHARE THEM WITH ANYONE.
• Always independently verify a claim that you are hearing. If you get a call saying there were suspicious transactions on your account, login to your account on your own and see if you can locate the transaction(s). If not, there is a good chance someone is trying to trick you.

P2P payment systems are typically very secure. They protect the sender and the receiver by keeping payment information confidential. They are very convenient, easy to use, and payments are sent instantly! However, just like anything else, you must protect your account! Do not share personal information or passcodes and only pay people you know and trust! Be aware. Be diligent.

To learn more about red flags that may help you identify fraud and phishing attempts, visit https://www.banksneveraskthat.com/, created by the American Bankers Association.

By pretending to email you from a bank or similar site, scammers “fish” for account numbers, passwords, social security numbers, etc. They trick consumers into divulging sensitive information that can be used to conduct fraudulent activity. Phishing email schemes change frequently but there are some common characteristics to look for. They often create a sense of urgency trying to convince you to act now. They will entice you to click on links or attachments. They usually contain spelling or grammar errors. You may also notice they have dropped, added, or changed a letter or two in the email address or links provided such as: bankofodesa instead of bankofodessa. Users who click on the links are taken to look-alike sites (they may look just like your Bank or Credit Card Company site) where they are asked to enter personal data. This personal data is then used to open fraudulent accounts, or even charge your banking accounts. If you get an unsolicited email, do not open the email. Do not click on any links or attachments. Do not follow any instructions or utilize any contact information they may have provided to you. Call your Bank or Credit Card company directly using the numbers provided on your Billing Statement or other trusted correspondence.

Telemarketing fraud occurs when someone conducts fraudulent sales over the telephone. The Federal Trade Commission has identified telemarketing fraud as one of the most persuasive deceptions. Senior citizens are a primary target for this type of fraud, making up to 80% of the victims affected by telemarketing scams. When you send money to people you do not know personally or give personal or financial information to unknown callers, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud. Tips to Avoid Telemarketing Fraud…From the FBI (link to https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/telemarketing-fraud).

Warning Signs – From the FBI
The FBI’s website provides several warning signs:

Beware of the following statements a caller may make, such as:

• “You must act ‘now’ or the offer won’t be good.”
• “You’ve won a ‘free’ gift, vacation, or prize.” But you have to pay for “postage and handling” or other charges.
• “You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a check picked up by courier.” You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.
• “You don’t need to check out the company with anyone.” The callers say that you do not need to speak to anyone; including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
• “You don’t need any written information about their company or their references.”
• “You can’t afford to miss this “high-profit, no-risk” offer.”

If you hear these or similar statements from a telephone salesperson, just say “no thank you,” and hang up the phone.

Some Tips to Avoid Telemarketing Fraud:
If you have signed up to be a part of the National Do Not Call list, the number of phone solicitations you receive has probably subsided. Nonetheless, it’s wise to understand the types of telemarketing fraud that exist. Once this fraud has taken place it’s tough to get your money back. But you can avoid most fraud by carefully following these FBI guidelines:

• Don’t buy from a company you know nothing about. Legitimate businesses understand that you want more information about their company and are happy to provide you with background information.
• Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity. If you get brochures about costly investments, ask someone whose financial advice you trust to review them. But, beware — unfortunately, not everything written down is true.
• Always check out unfamiliar companies with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, state Attorney General, the National Fraud Information Center, or other watchdog groups. Unfortunately, not all bad businesses can be identified through these organizations.
• Obtain a salesperson’s name, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailing address, and business license number before you transact business. Some con artists give out false names, telephone numbers, addresses, and business license numbers. Verify the accuracy of these items. Before you give money to a charity or make an investment, find out what percentage of the money is paid in commissions and what percentage actually goes to the charity or investment.
• Before you send money, ask yourself a simple question. “What guarantee do I really have that this solicitor will use my money in the manner we agreed upon?” You must not be asked to pay in advance for services. Pay services only after they are delivered.
• Some con artists will send a messenger to your home to pick up money, claiming it is part of their service to you. In reality, they are taking your money without leaving any trace of who they are or where they can be reached.
• Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won’t pressure you to make a snap decision.
• Don’t pay for a “free prize.” If a caller tells you the payment is for taxes, he or she is violating federal law.
• Before you receive your next sales pitch, decide what your limits are — the kinds of financial information you will and won’t give out on the telephone.
• It’s never rude to wait and think about an offer. Be sure to talk over big investments offered by telephone salespeople with a trusted friend, family member, or financial adviser.
• Never respond to an offer you don’t understand thoroughly.
• Never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons. Your personal information is often brokered to telemarketers through third parties.
• Never give out your ATM PIN to anyone.

If you have information about fraudulent activity, report it to your state, local, or federal law enforcement agencies.

Identity theft happens when someone steals your private personal information such as your social security number, your credit card number or your checking account number, and uses it to commit theft. It is much more than someone stealing your credit card. The thief may steal your checking account information, your mother’s maiden name or some other personal information, known only to you and your immediate family members in order to pose as you and drain your checking account, investments or other savings vehicles. How do you protect yourself?

Learn More

Immediately contact the Company, or Bank that represents your credit card, your checking account, loan etc. to let them know of any fraudulent activity directed against you. Call Bank of Odessa (816) 633-5331 to report any discrepancies with your checking or savings accounts. Describe the circumstances with as much detail as possible. Let them know about charges you did not make, or withdrawals from your accounts… They can give you the necessary steps to correct the problem.

Contact Information – To Report Fraudulent Activity

If you have information about fraudulent activity, report it to your state, local, or federal law enforcement agencies. In addition, the local Better Business Bureau may be able to assist you.

Missouri Attorney General – http://ago.mo.gov

Missouri Better Business Bureau – http://www.kansascity.bbb.org

FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center – http://www.ic3.gov

FTC Scam Alerts – http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts

National Fraud Information Center

Phone: 1(800)876-7060

Website: http://www.fraud.org

Additional Information

If you’d like to learn more about fraud and how to prevent it, the following websites provide even more detail than we have covered here.

https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/telemarketing-fraud

https://www.consumer.gov/scams