2/13/2009
Protective Alert
As your trusted financial advisor, Home Federal is dedicated to keeping consumers informed of the latest financial schemes affecting our communities. We have received reports of two situations targeting people in the markets we serve. While they are not targeting Home Federal customers, we believe it is our responsibility to protect consumers by raising awareness about fraud prevention. If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, please contact your bank right away.
Debit Card Alert
The first situation involves callers receiving phone calls from an out-of-state number which claims that the consumer’s “debit cards could be in jeopardy and that they need to verify all of their account information.” Additionally, there are reports of automated calls directing people to “press 1” to reactivate their card, upon which they are asked for their debit card details.
Phone calls of this nature are categorized as “phone phishing”. Legitimate financial institutions such as Home Federal will never ask you for this information. It is very important that you NEVER give out your personal information over the phone or in response to an email.
Secret Shopper Alert
We are also receiving reports of an attempted “Secret Shopper” scheme, where people are contacted by what appears to be a legitimate business asking them to perform tasks and provide feedback on their experience. The fraud occurs when the victim is asked to use a wire transfer or money order to send funds in exchange for goods or money which is never received.
Equal Housing Lender.