Fraud Alerts

Criminals do not take vacations! Check here for news about other people trying to get their hands on YOUR money. Updates on new and recurring scams can help protect you from fraud. The more you know, the safer your money remains.

Remember! GSB will never request account information via an email or ask you to click on a link to verify such personal account data.

Seniors...be aware of calls from youths claiming to be a family member in immediate need of cash / check sent to Canada. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the following GSB officers: David Kreiman
(847-832-0344); Pat Grimes (847-832-0850) or Pamela Aho (847-832-0153).

Alerts:

• Smartphone Hackers
  (Posted 3/21/13)
  Hackers have discovered the wealth of information that's available on and through smartphones. Please follow the same security guidelines you use with your computer; Be cautious with emailed links, even if supposedly from a known source and use only apps from a reputable source such as iTunes store or Google Play. Regularly monitor your data usage, phone bills and credit reports for unauthorized activity.
  
  
• Instant Credit
  (Posted 1/15/13)
  Thieves love using "instant credit" for online purchases. With a stolen Social Security number and a few other bits of personal information, they are shopping for pricey electronics on someone else's credit.
• Before you sell your old computer
  (Posted 1/15/13)
  Think twice! Is it really worth the relatively small amount you'll receive while taking a chance that the hard drive still contains confidential information?
  If you do sell a computer or pass it on to someone else, you should wipe the hard drive and reformat it, as well as using various data-destroying programs. Better yet, destroy that hard drive with a hammer.
  
  
• Fake Pop-Up (Posted 5/21/12)
  We have received reports of phishing pop-ups which refer to an Epsilon Corp. breach. Do not click on any links or provide personal card or account information. This phishing attempt is occurring at many banks and credit unions. If you should see this message we suggest that you run anti-virus and spyware programs in addition to clearing your browser cache (on your toolbar, go to Tools then Delete Browsing History).

• Fraudulent E-mail survey (Posted 4/30/12)
  The FDIC has issued a Consumer Alert about reports of fraudulent e-mails that appear to have been sent by the agency, promising $100 to those that complete a five-question survey. Recipients are warned not to click on the link listed in the e-mail.

• Fake E-mail from NACHA (Posted 3/19/12)
  In a new warning, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warns account holders of a new spam email scheme that involves a type of malware called "Gameover." The scheme involves fake emails from the National Automated Clearing House Association, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC. These messages attempt to trick recipients into clicking on a link to resolve some type of issue with their accounts or a recent ACH transaction. Once you click on the link, Gameover takes over your computer, and thieves can steal usernames, passwords and your money.
  
  
• Web-based scams (Posted 11/14/11)
  

As people continue to move away from email, criminals have shifted their focus to social networking services. Twitter, Facbook and other online communities are plagued with spambots and other tricks with potential to cause serious problems. Some examples include alerting your Facebook friends that funds are needed immediately to assist them after an overseas mugging, illness, accident, etc.  Wiring money via Western Union or other untraceable method is part of this scam.  DELETE IT. You can verify your friend’s well-being via phone or known email address.

The “Twitter Trap” alerts you that someone has left a nasty post about you along with a link.  DON’T BE TEMPTED.  Clicking on that link will forward the same message to all your followers and goes only to a mega advertising page which earns the scammer money for each click.  Don’t encourage this type of person.

Surprisingly, some people will still respond to an email that mentions “Nigeria” if they think free money is involved.  The latest one is supposedly from “Citibank Nigeria” and states that for a contribution you will be eligible for $50,000 in compensation.  If this one pops up in your email, have a laugh over the latest spin on this age-old scam and its feeble attempt to hook you in, and then hit delete. It's safest

• Fraudulent FDIC E-mail (Posted 8/18/11)
  Be aware of fake emails to Business Customers supposedly from an FDIC address. Do not "click here" as directed as it will ask for personal account information.
The e-mail appears to be sent from "alert@fdic.gov" and includes a subject line that states: "FDIC: Your business account."

 

• Debit Card Scam (Posted 5/4/11)
  A recent debit card scam has been reported on some of our cardholders’ accounts. As a precaution we are closing the debit cards that may be compromised and personally calling the contacts we have for those accounts. New instant issue debit cards are available at both 800 Waukegan Road, Glenview and 20 E Northwest Highway in Mount Prospect. If you have any questions, please contact Teleservicing at 847-729-1900.

 

• Fake IRS E-Mail (Posted 4/5/11)
  Be aware of a new scam making the rounds via email, which warns of discrepancies on the recipient’s income tax return and requests that personal information be sent via fax to a toll-free number.  It is made to look like it was sent from irs@irsonline.gov, and urges recipients to fill out, print, and fax an attached PDF tax form which of course requests the information needed to steal your identity and money. Covering all their bases, they offer suggestions for both people who have already filed and those who have yet to do so….a nice touch! Simply delete this email.

 

• Fake FDIC e-Mails (Posted 1/13/11)
  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports from consumers who received an e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The e-mail informs the recipient that "in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, federal, state and local governments…" the FDIC has withdrawn deposit insurance from the recipient's account "due to account activity that violates the Patriot Act." It further states deposit insurance will remain suspended until identity and account information can be verified using a system called "IDVerify." If consumers go to the link provided in the e-mail, it is suspected they will be asked for personal or confidential information, or malicious software may be loaded onto the recipient's computer.
  This e-mail is fraudulent. It was not sent by the FDIC. It is an attempt to obtain personal information from consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT access the link provided within the body of the e-mail and should NOT under any circumstances provide any personal information through this media

 

• Fraudulent Debit Card Phone Calls (Posted 6/21/11)
  There are reports of recent calls from various out of state and toll free phone numbers indicating your debit card has been deactivated are not valid. Disregard those calls. If you provided your account number please call 847-724-1900 and choose the option for lost or stolen debit card.
  For your information, in a phishing scam, the scammers know nothing about your card or account or your bank association. They target communities all over the country, use sophisticated technology to dial phone numbers in a community assuming a large percentage of residents bank at their local bank and have debit cards, and hijack phone numbers from different areas of the country to make it appear that the call is coming from other areas on your caller ID. Ignore these calls.
  
  
  

• Credit Card "Swapping"
  Make sure the credit card you get back from a clerk or server is really yours. Phony and invalid cards with someone else's name have been substituted.

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