Phishing and Fraud

Phishing is the term that describes fake emails that claim to be from a legitimate business such as a bank. Scam artists recreate web pages that they copy from real websites to try to fool consumers into providing their personal information.

Even though the email has a bank’s logo on it, or name on it, and looks like it comes from the bank, it may be a fraud. The email may ask you to “validate” information by filling in items such as your login information, ID, password, debit card number, security codes or PINS.

Watch out for emails that are marked “Urgent” or say that your account may be closed if you do not respond – those are typical strategies to try to get information. Watch out for emails that provide only a general greeting and do not identify you by name. Be careful of emails that have spelling or typing errors.

New Haven Bank will NEVER ask you for your personal information or account information via email.

If you ever receive such an email, or any request that seems suspicious, contact us immediately by calling our toll-free number at 877-687-1133 so that we can investigate immediately.

Pharming involves sending Internet users to a fake website, even when they entered the correct address.

These fake sites often look real, but secretly collect any personal information and passwords entered. Users end up at fraudulent sites by having spyware or a virus loaded on their computer, or by sophisticated hacking tricks.

Beware of any changes to the login screen. If you are asked for anything out of the ordinary, do not enter any information.

Vishing is a combination of the words “voice” and "Phishing”. The person committing the fraud sends an email asking for personal or account information, but then says “we know you are concerned about safety, so please call this number”. When you call, the person at the other end is part of the scam. This scheme is trying to get your debit card or credit card number.

Always be highly suspicious of any call that asks for account numbers or card numbers.

Contact us directly to verify the validity of any message you might receive. do not use the number given to you via any email or phone call – look our number up in the phone book or via an online directory.

Common checks that are fake:

• FAKE: You’ve won a sweepstakes, lottery or grant – here’s your check, send us a wire transfer to pay the taxes.
• FAKE: Here’s a payment for you to start working from home – deduct a small amount of money and then wire the rest to us, your new employer.
• FAKE: Here’s a check for something you have for sale; it’s a little more than you asked, just wire us that difference to pay for your shipping costs.

If you find yourself in any type of situation as just described, consult your consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade commission, the Postal Inspection Service to learn more.

Reconnecting with old friends or classmates, playing games, exchanging ideas are all great benefits of online social networking. Just remember to use common sense and control the amount of personal information that you post online or share online with others.

• Do not include email addresses or phone numbers in your profiles
• Keep your address private.
• Understand who can access your information when you sign up for any social networking site. Is it private, or is it public?
• Use a password that is at least eight to ten characters long, use a combination of upper and lower case letters, plus numbers, plus symbols.
• Keep in mind, while online, think before you respond. Guard your personal information.