Fraud/Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identification information, like your name, Social Security number or credit card number, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Here are some ways you can protect yourself:

Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier. Don’t give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or on the internet unless you know who you are dealing with.

Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Keep your anti-spyware and anti-virus software up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.

Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

If you’re going on vacation or a business trip, call your credit card company(s) and let them know where you’re going and for how long.

Think you might be a victim?

What should you do if you are an apparent victim of identity theft? Learn More.

Maine Fraud Prevention Alliance

We are proud to be a founding member of the MFPA. Find out more about the MFPA and how you can DASH Fraud. Learn more

FraudWatch PLUS

As our customer, your card is protected 24/7. Through Fraud Prevention Services, we provide industry leading technology, tools and expertise to manage fraud. Experienced fraud analysts work around the clock, watching for any suspicious card activity and will contact you immediately if they detect potential fraud on your card. In cases where transactions appear to be suspicious, and you are contacted by Fraud Prevention Services, you will be asked for the LAST 4 DIGITS of your social security number to verify your identity. Learn More

If you have any questions about this service, please contact our Customer Care Department at 207-284-4591. The Bank will receive a notification from Fraud Prevention Services whenever they attempt to contact you.

8 Ways to Stop an Identity Thief

More than 15.4 million Americans were victims of identity fraud last year, according to Javelin Strategy & Research. The American Bankers Association is offering eight tips to help consumers protect their information and avoid becoming a victim.

“Identity fraud continues to be a major problem for consumers,” said Doug Johnson, ABA’s senior vice president of payments and cybersecurity policy. “Fortunately, there are ways consumers can protect themselves, like being cautious about what information they share and who they share it with, especially online.”

ABA suggests following these eight tips:

AARP Scam Alerts

1. August
   1. Medicare Fraud 101
      According to Government estimates, Medicare lost $52 billion to fraud, abuse and improper billing in FY2017. Medicare fraud typically involves rogue health care providers or medical suppliers who bill the program for services, equipment or medication that they don’t actually provide, or else inflate the cost of those items. Some will even falsify patients’ diagnoses to justify unnecessary tests, surgeries and other procedures or write prescriptions for patients they’ve never examined. Others use genuine patient information, sometimes obtained through identity theft, to create fake claims.
      One of the most effective ways to combat against Medicare fraud is to review your Medicare statements and make sure the dates and services listed are correct. If something doesn’t look right, call your medical provider’s office.
   2. Do Me a Favor Scam
      We all want to please our bosses, especially when they need help. This fact is not lost of some scammers who have started sending fake boss messages asking employees for a favor. Several reports have emerged this summer of employees getting texts or emails from their “boss” asking them to purchase gift cards and send the account numbers. The supposed boss might be travelling or claim they are too busy to take care of the task. But once the gift cards are purchased and the information sent, the money is gone.
      Because scammers are so good at spoofing email addresses and phone numbers, you don’t always know when your boss really is your boss. However, whenever you are asked to purchase a gift card and give out the card information by phone or email, it is most likely a scam.
   3. College Scholarship Scam
      It’s back to school season and for many parents and grandparents of college students, and that may mean looking for ways to help pay for school. Please beware of scholarship, financial aid and government grant scams. Fraudsters guarantee to award a scholarship as long as you pay an upfront processing fee for their services, but then you never see any scholarship money. To apply for true federal student aid, use the FAFSA, the official online form which is free to submit. Save your money and put it towards education instead.
   4. Free Medicare Device Scam
      One tell-tale sign that should make every consumer suspicious is when something is offered “for free.” These free offer scams are often associated with Medicare. The program spends around $6 billion a year on medical devices, and a market this big draws scammers. In a medical equipment scam, someone reaches out with an offer of a “free” brace, wheelchair or other device. All they need is your Medicare number. Once they have it, scammers can use it to bill the government for devices and services that aren’t needed.
      Medicare fraud results in higher deductibles and copays for Medicare beneficiaries, and can even put affected patients at risk. Be suspicious of unsolicited free offers and never give out your Medicare number to anyone who isn’t a trusted health care provider.

    

2. July
   1. Peer-To-Peer Payment Apps
      With new technologies come new ways scammers are trying to steal our money. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) money sending apps – Zelle, Venmo, PayPal and the like – are popular ways for friends to send money back and forth. Unfortunately, scammers are using the same technology to receive payment from individuals they deceive into believing they owe money. These platforms have fewer consumer protections than other forms of payment. Use caution when sending money to people you do not know and watch out if a stranger insists on paying you via P2P apps.
   2. Door-To-Door Scams 
      Warm weather brings out the door-to-door solicitations. Be cautious anytime a stranger comes knocking unsolicited, especially if the visitor is trying to sell you goods or services. To avoid door-to-door scams, refuse to do business right on the spot. Always ask for credentials and check with an objective third party to verify someone’s identity. Never pay for services in cash and be wary of paying upfront for a product or service that will be delivered at a later date. A receipt is worth nothing unless the business is valid and reputable. Be sure you read and understand any agreements or contracts you sign. Don't be afraid to offend someone by not doing business with them.
   3. Public Wi-Fi Scams
      Are you using public Wi-Fi? Free Wi-Fi is a great convenience, but it can be risky. Scammers can set up a Wi-Fi network with a name similar to the one you’re intending to use, hoping you’ll connect to it, or they can hijack your information between you and the Wi-Fi access point. Do no more than checking the weather or browsing sports scores; otherwise, hackers can steal your passwords, see your email, or intercept financial transactions. Make sure your device isn’t set to connect to Wi-Fi automatically. When on public WiFi, use your device’s data service or install a “virtual private network” (VPN) to protect yourself while using public Wi-Fi.
   4. Rental Property Scams
      Renting a home is often a big expense and an even bigger one when the rental is a scam. Scammers look for easy cash by collecting first month’s rent, deposits, and application and background check fees and then bolt before handing over the keys. Numerous versions of rental frauds abound: some are bait-and-switch while others will attempt to rent out properties that are already leased or otherwise unavailable. Leasing based on units similar to a model unit and putting money down on a place unseen is on the rise, and would-be renters are being scammed out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. When renting a new place, watch out for scammers who ask you to sign before seeing anything or request payment via money wire, peer to peer apps or cash. Do your research on the property and owner read agreements carefully.
   5. Free Trial Offer Scams
      Social media, TV, and other media often advertise free trial offers that claim to be “risk free.” However, some “free” trial offers end up being traps that lock consumers into plans that charge recurring fees. Often a free trial offer will require you to provide your credit card information for a nominal shipping fee. However, once you accept the offer and the company has your payment information, you may be charged for products you never intended to order. Read up on both the company (reviews and contact information) and the terms and conditions of the offer. Be sure to monitor your financial statements: If you see charges you didn’t agree to, contact the company directly to cancel future charges, and if that doesn’t work, contact your credit card company to dispute the charges. Bottom line? Be wary of signing up to receive products or services that claim to be “free.”
3. June
   1. Illegal Robocalls and Spoofing
      American homes received more than 48 billion robocalls (auto-dialed calls) in 2018. While many are legitimate – your doctor’s office confirming an appointment, your pharmacy letting you know your prescription is ready, even AARP calling to offer educational sessions on things like fraud prevention – experts estimate that 40% of robocalls could be scams. Fend off the scammers! Add all your numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov). Explore free or low-cost call blocking options. Verify the identity of a caller – by your phone book or online. And report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint so the good guys know what the bad guys are up to. Also, recognize that incoming calls can be “spoofed” – faked to look like legitimate callers, so don’t solely rely on Caller ID.
   2. Funeral Fraud
      Have you considered prepaying for funeral arrangements to alleviate your family from the burden on your behalf? Consider these risks before calling the local funeral home: Anytime you pay for services in advance, you run the risk of not receiving what you paid for. A funeral home may go out of business or may not honor the arrangement for any number of reasons. Funeral homes are required to provide an upfront, detailed price list. Before prepaying, get a written contract that shows exactly what you’re buying and make sure you (and your family) understand what is included. Finally, check your state’s regulations to find out if you are protected if the funeral home goes out of business.
   3. Family Emergency Scam
      Under-reported and overly difficult on our hearts, this scam, often called the “grandparent scam”, preys on family bonds. Scammers claim to be a member of your family or a police officer or lawyer representing your loved one. They will tell stories of an accident, arrest, or kidnapping and request money to resolve the situation. Often they request that you not tell anyone else. If you receive a request like this, slow down, ask questions, and consult others in your family. Avoid talking to someone who threatens you or your loved ones and be wary of anyone who demands an immediate payment or decision.
   4. DNA Testing Scams
      A new Medicare scam involves “free” DNA swab tests as health screenings. You may visit a booth at a health fair or receive a flyer in the mail offering an incentive for signing up for a DNA sample. Before engaging, consider that genetic tests must be ordered by your doctor and must be medically necessary to be covered by Medicare. Scammers use these tactics to steal your insurance information and sensitive medical information. Additionally, some might sell your DNA information to third party companies AND you will still owe the costs since they aren’t covered by your insurance plan. Know the risks and speak to your doctor and insurance provider before agreeing to “no-cost” tests and lengthy medical history assessments.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. Visit the AARP Fraud Website for more information on fraud prevention.

The Federal Trade Commission and American Bankers Association have posted a helpful infographic on Fake Check Scams.

Click here to view the Fake check Scam Infographic.