ATM Skimming
A type of fraud which occurs when an ATM is compromised by a skimming device, a card reader which can be disguised to look like a part of the machine. The card reader saves the customer’s card number and pin code, which is then replicated into a counterfeit copy for theft.
8 Tips to Avoid Skimming
Fraud Summary
Identity Theft is the most popular and profitable form of consumer fraud. It occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
Common way’s identity theft can happen:
“Old Fashioned” Stealing
Thieves typically steal wallets and purses. They also steal mail such as credit card and bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers, check orders and other financial mail.
Dumpster Diving
Thieves dig through trash looking for bills, financial or other personal information.
Change of Address
Thieves modify or redirect your billing statements to another address by completing a “change of address” form.
Phishing
Thieves may send unsolicited Emails, pretending to be a financial institution or a company, asking you to click a link to update or confirm your personal or login information. The link is directed to a “spoof” website designed to look like a legitimate site.
Skimming
Thieves may use a card reader device to copy the card’s magnetic strip to duplicate without the card owner’s knowledge.
Monitor your accounts
Keep track of transactions on your accounts by logging in to Security State Bank of Kenyon’s Online Banking, where you can view your activity as it is posted.
Protect your personal information
Computer Security
Security State Bank of Kenyon continually makes investments in state-of-the-art online banking security to ensure we protect the confidentiality of every customer’s online information and to provide the utmost security of every user.
Computer Protection Tips
Mail & Phone Security
We recommend you learn ways to protect yourself from common fraud schemes.
Vishing
Vishing scams target consumers by “spoofing” text or voicemail messages that ask you to call a phone number and give your personal information. Here’s how it works:
- You receive a “spoof” email, text message, or voicemail about suspicious account activity.
- The email, text message, or voicemail message will ask you to call a “customer service” number.
- When you call the customer service number, a recording will ask you to provide personal information such as account numbers, passwords, a social security number, or other critical information.
- The recording may not mention the company’s name and could potentially be an indication the call is being used for fraud.
- In a variation of this scam, you may receive a phone call.
- The call could be a “live” person or a recorded message.
- The caller may already have your personal information, which may seem as if the call is legitimate.
Smishing
Smishing is when consumers’ cell phones and other mobile devices are targeted with mobile spam. The spam, or text messages, attempt to trick consumers into providing personal information. Here’s how it works:
- You receive a fake text message, which may include a fraudulent link, asking you to register for an online service.
- The scammer attempts to load a virus onto your cell phone or mobile device.
- The scammer may also send a message ‘warning’ you that your account will be charged unless you cancel your supposed online order.
- When you attempt to log on to the website, the scammer extracts your credit card number and other personal information.
- In turn, your information is used to duplicate credit, debit and ATM cards.
- Scammers may also send you a text message again ‘warning’ you that your bank account has been closed due to suspicious activity.
- The text message will ask you to call a ‘customer service’ number to reactivate your account.
- When you call the number, you are taken to an automated voice mail box that prompts you to key in your credit card, debit card or ATM card number, expiration date and PIN to verify your information.
- Again, your information is used to duplicate credit, debit and ATM cards.
Lottery/Sweepstakes Scams
Lottery/Sweepstakes scams target consumers by a notification, which arrives through the mail, by email, or by an unsolicited telephone call. Here’s how it works:
- The notification advises you have won a prize, but you did not enter in any type of lottery or sweepstake by the promoter contacting you.
- The promoter will ask you to send payment to cover the cost of redeeming the prize when the prize does not exist.
- In this type of scam, you may rarely if ever receive any winnings in return.
Check Overpayment Scams
Check Overpayment scams target consumers who sell items through an online auction site or a classified ad. Here’s how it works:
- The seller takes a big loss when the ‘buyer’ passes a counterfeit cashier’s check, money order, corporate or personal check as payment.
- The counterfeit check is written for more than the agreed price.
- The ‘buyer’ will ask the consumer to wire back the difference after the check has been deposited.
- The check will more than likely bounce and the consumer becomes liable for the entire amount.
Tips for the mailbox
Tips for the phone
Phishing & Spoofing
While Security State Bank of Kenyon works to protect your banking privacy, you also play an important role in protecting your information. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your identity:
Phishing scams target consumers by “spoofing” emails and websites. Here’s how it works:
- You receive an email message, asking you to click on a link in order to update some sensitive personal information.
- The link will redirect you to a “spoofed” website, which is designed to look like a legitimate website.
- The website will ask you to input personal information such as your account numbers, PINs, or a social security number.
Email Protection Tips
Bank Error Messages
One of the newest schemes by fraudsters involves spoofing bank error messages. Here’s how it works:
- Fraudsters will send you an email message about a data or site maintenance error at Security State Bank of Kenyon or any of your banks.
- The email will ask you to click on a link, which will redirect you to a site and will install malware on your computer.
- This malware allows scammers to intercept your password and bypass the dual authentication system many financial institutions use.
- The next time you attempt to log in to your online banking service, scammers attempt to steal your password and may quickly drain your account.
Emails from Security State Bank of Kenyon
For your protection, we will not send you an email to update or confirm your sensitive information by clicking a link or replying.
Emails to Security State Bank of Kenyon
Please do not send personal information in un-secure email.
Credit Bureaus
Name | Mailing Address | Phone | Website |
---|---|---|---|
Equifax® | P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 |
1 (800) 685-1111 | www.equifax.com |
Experian® | P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013 |
1 (888) 397-3742 | www.experian.com |
TransUnion® | P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19016-1000 |
1 (800) 916-8800 | www.transunion.com |