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. March
   1. Spring Break Vacation Scams
      Despite what the Groundhog says, winter isn’t going away anytime soon. That fact has many of us looking for a warm getaway this spring, but beware scammers could be lurking on the other end of that sweetheart spring break deal. These three tips will help you spot a potential travel scam. First, be wary of any deal that is dramatically lower than what else is available at your destination. Next, verify the legitimacy of online travel sites by looking closely at the web address – scammers often “spoof” legitimate hotels and third party booking sites. Finally, don’t trust anyone who requests a wire transfer or prepaid gift card to pay for your getaway – these are the payment forms preferred by today’s scammers.

   2. Tax ID Theft
      Everyone is guilty of procrastinating from time to time, but one place where it doesn’t pay to wait is doing your taxes. Scammers take full advantage of opportunities during tax filing season to make a fast buck. They commit tax identity theft by filing a phony tax return using victims’ personal information to get a refund. To protect yourself against this scam, file your return as early as possible, use a secure Internet connection if you file electronically, or mail your tax return directly from the post office.

   3. Consumer Sentinel 2019 Report
      The numbers are in. The Federal Trade Commission released its report of fraud complaints from 2019, and scams show no sign of abating. Reported losses amounted to almost $2 billion – and older victims report losing more than younger victims. Impostor scams topped the list – where scammers pretend to be someone they are not to convince you to hand over personal information or money. In fact, government impostor scam reports are up by 50% over 2018. Here’s a tip: that message from the Social Security Administration saying your account has been suspended? It’s a scam. So is the one from your county court saying you face a fine for missing jury duty.

   4. Don’t Miss the Count on Census Scams
      It’s that season again. The once-every-decade time when we all try and remember how the decennial census count works. It’s no surprise that there is confusion surrounding the census, but that confusion is something scammers are banking on. Here are a few tips to avoiding census scams. The Census Bureau will NOT send you an email with a link to complete the questionnaire online – if you get such an email, it is a scam. The Census Bureau will never ask you to for sensitive information, like your full Social Security number, bank account number or your mother’s maiden name. Finally, when you do get a mailing from Census to tell you how you can complete your questionnaire, look for the official return address of Jeffersonville, Indiana. Any other address is a scam.
   5. The Signs of Investment Scams
      The process of investing your money is easier than ever these days. The Internet and airwaves, and the occasional free lunch seminars, are full of innovative new can’t-miss investment opportunities that just need one thing: your money, and fast. When confronted with such an offer, take a deep breath, and avoid making a decision in a heightened emotional state. (Scammers love us to do that.) If an investment isn’t registered, that’s a red flag it could be a scam.
2. February
   1. Help for Victims of Scams and Fraud
      Every day, unsuspecting Americans, from border to border, are victimized by scammers -- typically working with a highly coordinated and sophisticated network of criminals. For these people, the aftermath often includes shame, loss of security and increased isolation. They feel embarrassed and guilty and don’t know who to turn to, so more often than not, they don’t tell a soul. The AARP Fraud Watch Network is here for you, your friends, and your loved ones who may have experienced this violation. And we’re here to tell you it’s not your fault.Every week day, trained AARP volunteer fraud fighters are helping victims understand what happened to them, report the crime and start to put their lives back together.

   2. When Cupid’s a Con Artist
      Along with the rise in dating website use comes a rise in online dating scams. Scammers create fake profiles, build relationships with individuals through the dating site, and then attempt to steal their money and disappear. You can spot a con artist by recognizing a few red flags: they might propose chatting offline or profess their feelings for you before getting to know you. They may offer to visit if you can help cover travel costs, then cancel those plans at the last minute. Looking for love online works great for many people, but scammers lurk, so be cautious of what information you share, and anytime a “love interest” you’ve never seen in person asks for money, it’s more than likely a scam.

   3. Fear Sells
      In the world of successful scams, it turns out fear sells. While some scams promise riches, romance or a new career, most scams today use fear to steal our money. Scammers seek to create a sense of anxiety, anger or embarrassment in hopes we will make decisions in an emotional, vs. logical, state. If you get a scary call, or an email, or a popup message on your computer, hit pause. Give yourself a minute to think logically before taking an action that could result in loss of money or personal information.
      

       

   4. Who are You Really Talking To?
      Who are You Really Talking To?Technology has made our lives easier in many ways, but it has also opened us up to many risks that we don’t always recognize. Shopping, banking and getting tech support virtually are becoming the preferred option for many of us, but these conveniences also open doors for impostors. Here are some big red flags: if someone professing to be from a government agency contacts you with an urgent issue you must tend to immediately, it’s a scam. If you get a call or a popup message on your device saying you have a problem with your computer and you need to address it immediately, it’s a scam. If someone – anyone – says you can pay an obligation with a gift card, it’s a scam. Enjoy the conveniences of technology, but stay safe while doing it.
3. January
   1. New Year’s Resolution
      It’s New Year’s Resolution time. Time to make a commitment to be fraud aware in 2020. For the next 52 weeks, like clockwork, scammers will be on the prowl looking to steal our money or sensitive information. While there is no way to stop these attempts from happening, we can all take steps to make sure we don’t fall victim. Remember the basics: only share sensitive information when needed with people who you know and trust – like your doctor; don’t click on web links from untrusted emailers; and if someone asks you to make a payment using a gift card, it is a scam.

   2. Credit Repair Scams
      If you’re like a lot of Americans, you spent a lot this holiday season and you might be in the mood to tackle your debt in the New Year. Getting yourself out of debt is hard work. It takes time and discipline. Be wary of offers of guaranteed quick fixes. Con artists prey on consumer’s frustration over finances by offering the keys to getting your finances in order. These offers usually involve up-front fees, bad advice like stopping communication with your creditors and vague details on what services they actually provide.

   3. Package Theft
      The holidays may be over, but Porch Pirate season never ends. While at-home deliveries are at their highest over the holiday season, direct-to-home shopping happens every day around the country. Here are some simple steps you can take to safeguard your orders: schedule deliveries for times when you are home; ask neighbors to pick up packages for you if you can’t be home; ask the shipper to put packages out of sight, like on a side porch or under a bush; and use parcel lockers if they are available in your area. Also, be aware of emails claiming a package is being held and the shipper needs more information. These can be phishing attacks meant to capture payment information or to get you to download malicious software.
      

       

   4. Utility Bill Scams
      Winter is upon us and with temperatures plummeting in many areas, keeping the heat on is critical — a fact that scammers try to take advantage of. Each winter, utility scams spike as con artists claiming to be from the utility company threaten to cut off service if an immediate payment isn’t made. The goal of these crooks is to create a sense of panic in their targets to act hastily and hand over payment information or even buy gift cards to pay the supposed debt. If you get a surprise visit or call from the “utility company” this winter, ask questions like what your bill history is or what the individual’s employee ID number is, and then follow up to confirm before taking any action.

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.