Top 10 Scam Prevention Tips

During COVID-19

Photo by Kazuky Akayashi on Unsplash

TOP 10 SCAM PREVENTION TIPS DURING COVID-19

1. DO always be very careful who you share your personal information with, especially during this time. Never share your online banking log in information.
2. DO NOT send money or give your account information to anyone regarding getting any sort of stimulus check from the government and/or “cure” for the Coronavirus. These inquiries are scams. Currently, there are no known cures for the Coronavirus, only prevention. Beware of scams involving investments, charities and supplies.
3. DO visit the Federal Trade Commission site for more information about Coronavirus Scams. Also, remember to follow CDC recommendations and guidelines on handwashing, protecting yourself from exposure, and practicing social distancing (at least 6 feet).
4. DO be careful of what links and attachments you click on. Fraudsters are preying on the vulnerabilities and fears of people during this pandemic. With federal programs offering additional financial assistance be careful responding to email, text or phone solicitations for loan offers for student loan debt, payday or small business loans. Please contact your Relationship Manager if you have any concerns.
5. DO be careful of who you send money to online. The Family Emergency and Grandparent Scams use love for family and friends to take advantage of people. Please visit the Federal Trade Commission website to learn more.
6. DO NOT answer calls from numbers you do not recognize. Scammers will use a fake phone number to trick you into answering their call. If it is legitimate, they will leave a message and you can call them back. As a reminder, the government will never ask for your personal or financial information over the phone. Phone calls are the most popular way for the scammers to contact you.
7. DO visit the Federal Trade Commissions website to learn about the top frauds of 2019.
8. DO NOT send money from instructions received electronically through email, text or fax. Call the sender directly and verbally verify the instructions. Do not call the number on the communication. Only call the phone number that you’ve used before to speak to the company or individual. Scammers takeover email accounts of business and individuals and send fraudulent instructions to redirect your money to their account.
9. DO contact your Relationship Manager immediately and file a report with them if you’ve received instructions electronically for payment and have identified that it’s a scam. Read more about internet crime at the IC3 website.
10. DO NOT believe text messages referring to mandatory quarantine. Text message hoaxes may claim that the government will order a mandatory national two-week quarantine, or instruct you to go out and stock up on supplies. For any updates on national information, please visit your local news outlet or https://www.coronavirus.gov/ for up to date information.

To learn more about the steps Berkshire Bank is taking during COVID-19, visit our Be Well Resource Center.