Beat the Scammers: Your ultimate summer survival guide from Nevada Bankers Association
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Wed, 07/17/2024 - 9:50am
Remember when checks practically screamed your info to the world? Name, birthdate, Social Security number, address — it was like a fraudster’s dream come true.
Criminals are getting creative, and one of the latest scams to be on the lookout for is called "check washing." Thieves steal checks from the mail (or even directly from mailboxes), erase the ink and then alter the payee and amount. They can then deposit these falsified checks into their own accounts.
According to Nevada Bankers Association President and CEO Phyllis Gurgevich, “financial scams are getting more clever by the day, and sadly, that means more people are falling for them, you just can’t drop your guard.” Gurgevich advises consumers to take precautions to stay one step ahead of scammers. By following these tips and spreading the word, she said “we can all keep our money safer in the world of online finance.”
— Never share personal information or account PIN numbers with callers or strangers if you didn’t initiate the call. If someone calls and says they are from your bank, even if the caller ID number or name matches, hang up and call back at a number listed on your card or statement, or visit a branch in person.
— Enable the alerts and authentication protections that are offered on your accounts.
— When looking into new services or providers, thoroughly research any advisor or professional that might handle or have access to your finances, even if they are recommended by a friend.
— Registering with the “Do Not Call” registry is a good way to limit the number of telemarketing calls you receive.
— Review accounts, statements and credit reports regularly, making sure to quickly report any discrepancies or suspicious transactions.
Besides being proactive, know that many scams involve convoluted methods of payment: asking you to buy a prepaid card, sharing numbers and security codes over the phone, or overpaying or sending you money and requesting money back.
It’s important to take your time with any financial decision. You should feel comfortable and confident about all the details. If you feel pressured or are being told you must act now, just hang up. It’s typically someone with bad intentions who seeks to scare victims into acting fast or discourages someone from taking time to learn the important details about a financial transaction.
About Nevada Bankers Association
NBA is the united voice of Nevada’s diverse banking industry. Members are dedicated to providing the best financial products, services and resources to drive and support economic growth, job creation and prosperity throughout the state of Nevada. Visit www.nvbankers.org.
