PREVENT ACCOUNT FRAUD
Check fraud today goes far beyond forged
and counterfeit checks. Sophisticated
computer technology allows clever
thieves to steal from bank accounts in ways
never imagined just a few years ago! Account
fraud, more than ever, is identity theft.
In the latest example, con artists use fictitious
bank forms and fraudulent bank correspondence
to obtain customers’ personal and
banking information. The forms and correspondence,
which use the bank’s logo and letterhead,
purport to be from the bank’s fraud
control division.
These criminals infer that the customer’s
account has already been compromised, and, as
part of the bank’s “investigation,” ask the customer
to provide sensitive personal and financial
information. A toll-free number and a prepaid
envelope are included to help the customer pass
along the information to the criminal. Go to
your bank to verify all unusual requests for
information.
Working with law enforcement and regulatory
agencies, your bank has developed a checklist
to help you protect your money by stopping
account fraud before it empties your bank
account.
FRAUD PREVENTION GUIDELINES
- Protect your checking account number… don’t give it to a stranger, even one claiming to be from your bank. In the hands of a criminal, your number can turn your account into an open cash drawer.
- Report lost or stolen checks immediately… your bank will block payment on any having those numbers.
- Store cancelled checks…and guard new checks closely.
- Notify your banker of suspicious phone inquiries… such as those asking for account information to “award a prize,” “verify a statement,” as part of a “fraud investigation,” or so-called “advance fee fraud” schemes.
- Guard your ATM PIN and ATM receipts… they have information that unlocks your account to thieves.
- Check your balance frequently… review and reconcile your checking account statement for accuracy.
- Learn about new ways to eliminate paper documents… especially electronic payment options available through your bank.
If you would like to contact a representative of 1st International Bank regarding account fraud, please call 1-800-996-5554, stop by your nearest 1st International Bank location or refer to our contact page for further information.
