Security Center

Scams Dealing with Spam Texts, Emails, and Junk Mail

FTC warns about spam attacks
Scammers send phishing texts and emails that look legit and try to trick you into giving them personal and financial information. You may also receive mail like magazines, catalogs or pre-screened offers for credit and insurance. Read more from the Federal Trade Commission alert (ftc.gov). 

Report Fraud: Help to fight fraud by visiting ftc.gov

Tips to cut down on spam texts, emails and junk mail:

1. Use Filters: check your mobile phone for options to "filter and block" texts from unknown senders. Check your mobile phone provider to turn on spam filters features. Be sure to mark any unwanted emails as spam or junk.
2. Unsubscribe: get fewer unwanted emails that can lead to phishing attacks.
3. Report Emails: report unwanted emails by using your phone's "report junk" feature or forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) or to your email provider
4. Register: with the Direct Marketing Association to decide what types of mail you do want from marketers.
5. Opt Out: opt out of receiving prescreened credit offers in the mail.

Salem Five is also here to help! If you believe you have been a target of a scam, or have provided someone with your account or online banking information, contact us immediately at (800) 850-5000.

 

IRS Impersonation Phone Scams

As the new tax season begins, we want to remind our valued customers to stay vigilant. The IRS has reported that criminals are making aggressive calls, pretending to be IRS agents, in an attempt to steal your money or personal information. These scammers often have detailed information about their targets and can manipulate caller ID to appear as if the IRS is calling.

Stay safe and protect your personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and report it to the IRS.

Scammers often claim victims owe money to the IRS and demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers. They may threaten arrest, deportation, or license suspension, and can become hostile. Sometimes, they promise refunds to trick victims into sharing private information. If calls go unanswered, they leave "urgent" callback requests.

Taxpayers who receive these calls should:

1. Record the number and hang up immediately.
2. Report the call to TIGTA using their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting form or by calling (800) 366-4484.
3. Email the number to phishing@irs.gov with "IRS Phone Scam" in the subject line.

Learn more how you can avoid falling for a tax scam by visiting www.irs.gov.

Salem Five is also here to help! If you believe you have been a target of a scam, or have provided someone with your account or online banking information, contact us immediately at (800) 850-5000.

 

FTC warns about Social Media Fake Check Scam!
This new social media scam seeks to trick young people into depositing fake checks in exchange for paintings of the victims, according to a new Federal Trade Commission alert (ftc.gov). 

Did you get a message on social from an "artist" asking you to paint your photo? It's a scam! Sometimes, scammers send direct messages on social media, saying they love your photo and want to pay you thousands of dollars to use it. They’ll send you a check and tell you to deposit it, take some money out to send to an artist for supplies, and keep the rest. They might even promise to pay you back for any money you send. But it’s all a scam, and you’ll never get reimbursed. 

Report Fraud: Help to fight fraud by visiting ftc.gov

How to identify Social Media Fake Check Scam:

• You receive a social media messages from an "artist" asking to pay you for photo
• You receive a check from someone asking you to deposit it and send them some money back
• The scammer will try to woo you with all kinds of promises
• DO NOT reply to social media messages asking about money
• DO NOT deposit check, it is fake!
• ONLY deposit checks from people you know and trust
• NEVER give your personal banking information to anyone

 

Salem Five is also here to help! If you believe you have been a target of a scam, or have provided someone with your account or online banking information, contact us immediately at (800) 850-5000.