Angie Truscinski
Risk Management, Security Officer
angie.truscinski@border.bank
218-782-4100
 

The Border Bank Fraud Department continues to see increased efforts from scammers to defraud our customers. We would like to share a few of the scams and encourage you to be cautious in these situations.    

• Wire Fraud – Here, a scammer will call to get you to send money for a family member, to invest in a business deal, or to purchase something. The scammers are very convincing and will often use emotional context to appeal to you. In some cases, even pretending to be a family member. They often have personal information secured from social media websites to convince you. Once the money is wired, it is gone forever.
• Social Engineering – In these cases, scammers will call on the phone and convince you that you won a cash prize. However,  before you can receive the money, you need to pay the taxes up front and/or pay for the shipping.

In either of these situations, when you visit the bank to the withdraw the cash, staff has been instructed to inquire into the reason for cash withdrawal. Many of the scammers understand this practice and will even encourage you to lie to the bank as to why you need the funds.  

• POP UP message on your computer - This is a well known scam. A message on your computer will appear saying that you have a virus or that you need maintenance. It will ask you to “click here” or call this number. It is important that you do not do this as this allows scammers direct access to your computer. If you have your passwords saved on your computer, they can get access to sensitive financial records including your bank accounts and often will conduct transfers out of these accounts without your knowledge. If you did click on the notice in error or  you see someone else moving around within your computer, shut it down immediately and take it to a reputable computer service company to have it cleaned of any malware or viruses that may have been installed. Contact the bank immediately to stop any unauthorized transfers. 
• Counterfeit Checks: These scams are very common especially if you are selling an item on one of the social media sites. The buyer will send a check for over the amount you agreed on and wants you to send the overage back to them via wire, money order, gift cards, etc. The check is fraudulent and will be returned to the bank. If you have already sent back funds to them via wire or gift cards, you are out those funds

We encourage you to report these crimes to your financial institution(s) here.

Other Resources

• Caller ID Spoofing Video
• Boss Gift Card Scheme 
• Banks Never Ask That
• ic3.gov