Scammers Using Text Messages to Access Bank Accounts, and is the Check Really in the Mail?

Unfortunately, scammers and hackers are busy every day trying to steal our personal and financial information. The latest scam is happening via text message. Scammers send a text message that appears to be from your bank saying there is a problem with your account and asks you to click their link. We want to remind everyone that you should NOT click any link in texts (or emails) if you did not initiate the contact. NEVER share any personal or financial information with anyone you do not know. If you have any suspicions about a text, email or call you receive, you should contact the company directly at the number found on any statement you usually receive. Be sure to use strong passwords at all times for all of your personal and financial online accounts, and two-factor authentication when available. If you encounter any suspicious contact, you should reach out to your local authorities to file a police report and heed their recommendations for the next steps to secure your information.

While we are not saying you shouldn’t write checks anymore, you should be aware there are criminals out there stealing paper checks. The most common ways thieves alter a check are called “check washing” or “melted ink.” Often the thief goes to your mailbox or a community mailbox, finds a check, and steals it. They then “wash” the check in chemicals to remove the ink, and change the name and the dollar amount to cash the check using a fake account. If you think this could have happened to you, contact your financial institution immediately, and follow their reporting instructions.

Please stay on guard when it comes to your personal and financial information. Remember, DO NOT share any personal or financial information with anyone you do not know.