Fraud Alerts & Safety Tips 
May 2013  

PayPal Customers: Be Aware of Malware Scam  


If you are a PayPal customer, please pay attention.  We have recently become aware of a "malware" scam targeting PayPal customers.  The scam uses a fake email, which impersonates the e-payment service, and claims that the customer's account has been put "on hold" until the customer resets their password.  The subject line of the email might read "Requested Reset of Your PayPal Password."  Within the email itself, we've seen instructions such as "To get back into your PayPal account, you'll need to reset your password." 

These emails appear quite real, and they are very dangerous.  The link within the email will not reset your PayPal password.  Instead, it will download a dangerous malware program, causing harm to your computer and risk to your information within it.  Please read these safety tips.
Beware of Memorial Day Scams Aimed at Military Personnel

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who serve and remember those who have died in war. But sadly, it has also become a key opportunity for scammers to target those who are serving or have served their nation, especially elderly veterans. As Memorial Day approaches, consumers and donors need to be aware of scammers that feed off the military.  Here are some examples:

High priced military loans - Advertisements for loans that promise a guarantee, instant approval or no credit check will often come with hidden fees and extremely high interest rates. Remember that legitimate lenders will never guarantee a loan before you apply and loans that require an upfront fee are likely a scam.

Veterans' benefits buyout plans - This buyout plan will offer a cash payment in exchange for a disabled veteran's future benefits or pension payments. The cash amount is only about 30-40% of what the veteran is entitled to. These buyout plans can be structured in several different ways, so research thoroughly before signing anything over.

Fake rental properties - Stolen photos of legitimate rental properties are used in advertisements that promise military discounts and other incentives. Service members will have to pay a fee via wire transfer for security payments or a key to the property - in the end they will receive nothing.

Phony jury duty summons - A caller clams to work for the local court system and states that the service member did not show up for jury duty and now has a warrant out for their arrest. When the victim says they never got a summons, the caller will ask for a credit card number or Social Security number to clear up the matter.

Misleading car sales - Websites posting classified ads will offer false discounts for military personnel or claim to be from soldiers who need to sell their vehicle fast since they have been deployed. Upfront fees will be required via wire transfer, or the vehicle will have problems after purchase.

Expensive life insurance policies - Members of the military are often the targets of high pressured sales pitches that offer unnecessary, expensive life insurance policies. Solicitors may make false statements regarding the benefits that these policies offer.

safety-tips4 Safety Tips to Avoid Scams

 

The Peoples Community Bank Recommends the Following Tips to Avoid Scams:

 

*    Do your research. Get as much information as you can about a business or charity before you pay.

*    Don't wire transfer money to anyone you don't know. Money sent via wire transfer is practically impossible to track. Pay by credit card whenever possible, since you can dispute charges easily.

*    Protect your computer. Don't click on links within unsolicited emails. Don't enter personal information on unfamiliar websites. Make sure that you have updated anti-virus software installed and use a firewall at all times.

*    Put an Active Duty alert on your credit reports when deployed. Doing so will minimize the risk of identity theft because creditors and businesses cannot issue or grant credit until verifying identity.

For more tips you can trust, visit simplygoodbanking.com for the latest, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thepeoplescommunitybank

Contact Us

The Peoples Community Bank
222 W. Commercial St.
Mazomanie, WI 53560
(608) 795-2120
(800) 795-2151
 


This newsletter does not constitute tax, legal, accounting or other professional advice. We attempt to be accurate, but neither we nor any other party shall be held liable for loss or damages resulting from reliance upon or use of this material. � 2013 The Peoples Community Bank.