It's important to educate yourself on common types of fraud so that you know how to protect your financial assets.
Visit www.ftc.gov for additional information and tips on how to prevent them.
If you’re a Limestone Bank customer and believe you may be a victim of any of the following schemes, please call us immediately at 877.369.2265 or email support@limestonebank.com.
Identity Theft
One of the fastest growing crimes in the nation is identity theft. Fraudsters use another individual’s personal info, acquired through various means. The identity thief needs only to get your name, address, bank account numbers, or social security number to take over your identity. They can then change your address, open new accounts at financial institutions, and access your existing accounts.
Tips to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
- Do not give out personal info over the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact.
- Shred receipts, expired credit and debit cards, account statements, checks, and other sensitive personal information.
For more information on identity theft prevention solutions visit www.ftc.gov.
Elder Financial Exploitation
This is the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder, typically by someone with whom the elder has a relationship, such as a spouse, sibling, child, friend, or caregiver.
Signs of Elder Financial Exploitation
- Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
- Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by those who should be in a position of trust.
For more information, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse at ncea.acl.gov.
Lottery or Sweepstakes Scams
Victims receive unsolicited communication that they are the winner of a lottery they did not enter. The communication will direct them to pay a small percentage for fake taxes or other fees in order to receive their prize.
Internet Scams
Victims may receive a check for something they sold over the Internet. The check will be made out for more than the selling price. The victim will be instructed to deposit the check but send back the difference in cash.
Telephone Scams
Fraudsters cold call victims hoping they reach customers of a bank they are claiming to be calling on behalf of. If the call is not initiated by the customer, the customer should ask for information from the caller. Never give out sensitive information, and always report the phone call to your bank.
Letter Scams
These type of scams involve unsolicited letters/emails sent to individuals offering the recipient something of value for their assistance in transferring a large amount of cash. These "old-fashioned fraud schemes" have existed for a long time. Examples are bogus business opportunities, chain letters, "free goods", work-at-home schemes, diet scams, mystery shopper scams, etc. For more information, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a list of the most common schemes at www.ftc.gov.
ATM Usage & Debit Card Safety Tips
Tips for Using an ATM Safely
- Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. If you observe or sense suspicious persons or circumstances, do not use the machine at that time.
- Visually inspect the ATM for possible skimming devices. Potential indicators can include sticky residue or evidence of an adhesive used by criminals to affix the device, scratches, damaged or crooked pieces, moveable or extra attachments on the card slot, or noticeable resistance when pressing the keypad.
- Be careful that no one can see you enter your PIN at the ATM. Use your other hand or body to shield the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN into the ATM.
- To keep your account information confidential, always take your receipts or transaction records with you.
- Do not count or visually display any money you received from the ATM. Immediately put your money into your pocket or purse and count it later.
- If you are using a drive-up ATM, be sure passenger windows are rolled up and all doors are locked. If you leave your car and walk to the ATM, lock your car.
Tips for Using Your Debit (ATM) Card Safely
- Always protect your ATM card and keep it in a safe place, just like you would cash, credit cards or checks.
- Do not leave your ATM card lying around the house or on your desk at work. No one should have access to the card but you. Immediately notify the bank if it is lost or stolen.
- Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Never write it down anywhere, especially on your ATM card.
- Never give any information about your ATM card or PIN over the telephone. For example, if you receive a call, supposedly from your bank or possibly the police, wanting to verify your PIN, do not give that information. Notify the bank immediately.