Banks sounding fraud alerts
Staff writer
Local banks are putting out alerts advising customers to be vigilant for fraud and fraud attempts.
Account fraud and attempted fraud has taken a recent uptick, according to Central National Bank fraud and information security officer Scott Gentine.
The uptick is neither unique nor local to Marion County, though.
“It’s nationwide, and it’s cyclical,” Gentine said.
Scams often become popular, Gentine said, many fraudsters are active in the holiday season, putting new spins on old scams.
“There was one going around by text,” Gentine said. “This is so-and-so at your bank. Please call.”
He advised people to remember that banks won’t ask for private information or Social Security numbers over the phone or by email.
Tampa State Bank recently warned customers about email scams.
“Emails from TSB will always be from @tampastatebank.com,” the bank advised.
The bank provided an example recently sent to a customer:
“From: Tampa State Bank <donotreply@customercenter.net>
Your Dollar Bank Card Control user profile has been disabled for security reasons. To enable your user profile, use the ‘Forgot Password’ link on the login screen and follow the directions. If you do suspect any fraudulent activity, please contact us.”
The bank’s advisory said fraudsters were increasing attacks in an effort to exploit current world crises.
“There is a lot that you can do to protect your own financial accounts and information in order to avoid compromising your own information,” the bank told its customers.
Marion interim police chief Zach Hudlin said his department had not received any official reports of bank account fraud, but he has heard of people whose accounts might have been compromised.
He said banks do a good job of working with customers who are victims of fraud and encouraged anyone with concerns to talk to his or her bank.