Consumer Alerts

Recent Alerts 

SNBT understands the importance of alerting the community to scams and fraudulent activity. Awareness is the key to avoiding being victimized by these types of crimes.

March 2018: IRS Tax Refund Scam: The IRS has discovered a new twist on the IRS Tax Refund scam that is utilizing the victims’ own bank accounts. Cybercriminals steal data to file fraudulent tax returns. Here’s the twist: The fraudulent tax returns are deposited in the victim’s own bank account. The criminals pose as a debt collection agency and contact the victim to say a refund has been mistakenly deposited into their account and ask the taxpayers to forward the money to the fraudsters. The IRS is advising taxpayers who receive a direct deposit refund they did not request to take the following steps:

1. Contact the bank/financial institution where the direct deposit was received and have them return the refund to the IRS.
   
2. Call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-1040 (individual) or 800-829-4933 (business) to explain why the direct deposit is being returned.
   
3. Keep in mind interest may accrue on the mistaken refund.
   
4. Review the IRS information: the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft.
   

September 2017: The Equifax Data Breach: What to Do - Equifax, one of the nation's three major credit reporting agencies, announced on Thursday, September 7, that 143 million people could be affected by a recent data breach. 

It may be in your best interest to understand the information Equifax has been issuing in response. Follow the links below to find out more information about the Equifax Data Breach: 

• Click here for Equifax information
  
• Click here for FTC recommendations
• Equifax Data Breach: WI Banking Industry has Consumers’ Backs
• Equifax data breach facts
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Equifax Data Breach

July 2017: Credit Card Scam using SNBT's phone number - We have received reports of phone calls in the area that use the SNBT phone number in caller ID. The call is asking people to lower their credit card interest rate. Or, in some cases the caller tells people they are past due on their payment and should initiate a payment over the phone. THIS IS A SCAM. These calls are not initiated by anyone from SNBT. If you should receive a call, do not to give any information and just hang up.

July 2017: IRS Phone Call Scam -  Scammers have targeted the area in the past and again recently. The scammers call posing as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), threatening that they are filing a lawsuit against you and to call a number immediately. Do NOT call this number.  Protect yourself from becoming a victim by reading this important public announcement from the IRS.  The IRS Warns Consumers About Scams .

Reports of Fraudulent Activity in our Community

How SNBT Protects You

	eBanking Security - Multiple channels of authentication are being used to protect your information. Read how SNBT verifies every log in attempt.
	Fraud Detective - An automated system that monitors your Debit Card transactions for potentially fraudulent activity. If a threat is discovered, you should receive an automated phone call that will verify your recent transactions.
	CardValet - A smart phone App that allows you to manage your Debit Card. Turn your card ON and OFF, set locations where it can be used, and more. Receive real-time alerts each time a registered card is used, which makes detecting fraud easier.
	Vendor Risk Management - SNBT partners with many third-party providers. As part of our comprehensive vendor management program, substantial due diligence is conducted prior to utilizing any product or service and is continued throughout the life of the relationship.
	Chip Card Security - Your chip card has an embedded microchip for enhanced level of protection which has been proven to reduce counterfeit fraud.
	Pick Your Own ATM & Debit Card PIN - You control your card's security and can change your own PIN by calling 1-800-992-3808.

How You Can Protect Yourself

	Don't Be a Target For Holiday Hoaxes - The holiday shopping season causes increased transactions are a golden opportunity for scammers.
	Business Account Security - Corporate Account Takeover is a type of business identity theft in which a criminal entity steals a business’s valid online banking credentials.
	Monitor Accounts Frequently. Waiting for your monthly statements to arrive may be too late. Instead, routinely monitor your bank and credit accounts by enrolling for online banking or mobile banking .
	Check Your Credit Score for Free. You're entitled to one report from each of the three credit bureau reports. (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) every twelve months through www.AnnualCreditReport.com .
	Never Give your Personal Information to Anyone. No legitimate entity, neither the police nor bank personnel, will ever ask you for your Account or Personal Identification Number PIN) number. This is true in person, on the phone, and by email. If you are ever suspicious, contact your SNBT for verification.
	Keep a Record of all of your ATM, Debit, and Credit Cards. Maintain a file of your account numbers, card numbers, expiration dates, and issuing bank's 800 numbers. If your card or wallet is ever stolen, you'll be able to contact them and provide necessary information.
	Take Action. If you discover unauthorized use or if your Credit or Debit Card number is stolen, and are able to report the loss before your card is used, you're not responsible for any charges you did not authorize. Reporting before use provides zero liability, 2 days to 2 weeks losses could be $50 - $500. After 60 days your liability is unlimited.

What to do After ID Theft

	Five Steps to Take if Your Identity is Stolen - While prevention is the best solution, you need to know what to do if you become victim of identity theft. Here are five steps to take immediately if you think your identity has been stolen.
	Financial Elder Abuse - Learn the signs of financial elder abuse so you know what to watch for if you suspect a senior citizen is being exploited to gain access to their property, investments, cash, or real estate.
	Taking Charge - What To Do If You Identity is Stolen, a 68- page comprehensive resource guide from the Federal Trade Commission.
	You Have the Power to Stop Identity Theft - Be on guard against "urgent" requests and unsolicited "deals" on the Internet. This includes fraudulent text messages.

Resources

	Securing Your Home Network - Unfortunately, the default configuration of most home routers offers little security and leaves home networks vulnerable to attack.
	Before You Connect a Computer to the Internet - We rely heavily on our computers to provide many important services, yet we sometimes overlook our need to secure them. Follow these essential steps to make your home computer more secure.
	Reported Theft of 1.2 Billion Passwords - Learn the steps to take if your passwords are stolen from some of the sites you frequently visit. Following these tips will allow you proactively protect your accounts.
	SPAM Emails Look Real, Be Cautious - SCAMS come in a variety of forms and try to mimic trustworthy sources. Lately fraudsters have sent emails pretending to be from Walmart.com or Amazon.com, even FedEx and UPS to name a few. Do not click on any links, in fact DO NOT even open them.
	Security Tips to Protect Yourself Online - A recent Javelin survey found that consumers with smartphones are 30% more likely to be victims of identify fraud. The survey also found that certain behaviors on social media can put consumers at risk.
	Be On Guard Against Texting Scams - A new scam involves a fraudulent text message sent to cell phones warning bank customers that their debit or credit card has been blocked for security reasons.
	ATM Skimming - Many consumers are unaware of another common financial scam that can severely impact their bank accounts: ATM skimming. Here are a few things you need to know in order to protect yourself.

Common Terms 

Identity Theft - is a generic term that covers a number of possible loss situations including purse/wallet snatch, mail theft, insider sources, impostors, spyware, phishing scams, account takeover (using account information to commit a fraud), full-blown identity theft (an impostor obtains personal information about the victim and “takes over” their identity in another location, normally another state), and data compromise.

Check Fraud - is where consumers are tricked into depositing counterfeit cashier’s checks and money orders with instructions to send funds back to someone, either the remitter or another person involved with the scam. When the check is returned to the bank as counterfeit, the consumer is legally responsible for restitution. 

Keylogging - software allows cybercrooks the ability to see what you type, for instance your access ID or password. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cybercrime creates a $100 billion annual loss to the U.S. economy.

Ransomware - a form of malware - becomes a growing problem for both individuals and businesses. Ransom can affect individual computers or laptops, enterprise networks or servers used by government agencies, financial institutions and health care providers. In a typical ransomware scheme, cyber criminals freeze the victim's device, steal data and demand that a "ransom" be paid.

Phishing - the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.

Education - is the best way to protect you from these types of thefts. Arm yourself with as much information and knowledge about what avenues these thieves are taking to get your money or your identity. Many government agencies websites provide information on various frauds and identity theft; they also provide instructions on what to do if you’ve been victimized.