You Can Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud
Warning signs visible to a business or consumer customer that their system/network may have been compromised include:
- Inability to log into online banking (thieves could be blocking customer access so the customer won’t see the theft until the criminals have control of the money);
- Dramatic loss of computer speed;
- Changes in the way things appear on the screen;
- Computer locks up so the user is unable to perform any functions;
- Unexpected rebooting or restarting of the computer;
- Unexpected request for a one time password (or token) in the middle of an online session;
- Unusual pop-up messages, especially a message in the middle of a session that says the connection to the bank system is not working (system unavailable, down for maintenance, etc.);
- New or unexpected toolbars and/or icons; and
- Inability to shut down or restart the computer.
If you experience any of these warning signs, please contact Sovereign Bank at 214-242-1900.
Play It Safe
Never click on a link inside an e-mail to visit a Web site. Type the address into your browser instead
- It’s easy for a business to look legitimate online. If you have any doubts, verify the company with the Better Business Bureau.
- Only 2% of reported identity theft occurs through the mail. Report online fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.
- Retain your receipts, statements, and packing slips. Review them for accuracy.
- Shred confidential documents instead of simply discarding them in the trash.
Fraud Facts
- Your bank will never e-mail or call you for your account number.
- Don’t wire money to people you don’t know.
- Be cautious of work-at-home job offers.
- Check out the company with the Better Business Bureau.
- There are no legitimate jobs that involve reshipping items or financial instruments from your home.
- Foreign lotteries are illegal in the U.S. You can’t win no matter what they say.
- Check your monthly bank statements for charges you don’t recognize.
- Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three national credit bureaus once a year from annualcreditreport.com
Get Involved
- It’s never too early to become an informed consumer. Point out “too good to be true” offers to your kids, and teach them to be skeptical.
- Take an active interest in the financial activities of your aging parents.
- Share information about scams with friends and family. Use social networking to help keep them safe.
Equal Housing Lender 