Consumer Education

Be on the lookout for suspicious checks, it’s a popular time of year for romance scams.  The Federal Trade Commission just sent out an alert about an increase in this scam.

They start when scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media. Then, those scammers strike up a relationship with their targets and work to build trust. Sometime later, they make up a story and ask for money.

So how do you spot a romance scammer? Here are some things to watch for:

• Any love interest who asks you to give them money on a gift card, by money transfer, or cryptocurrency is a scammer. Period.
• Romance scammers profess love quickly. They might say they can’t meet you because they’re overseas for business or military service — but, during the pandemic, they might just say they’re locked down.
• Romance scammers might try to lure you off the dating site.
• Scammers will find a reason to ask you for money — maybe to buy a phone card to keep chatting, maybe to help with a “medical emergency,” or maybe something else.
• Romance scammers sometimes build interesting dating profiles. But try a reverse-image search of the profile pictures. Are any photos associated with another name, or with details that don’t match up? That’s just more proof that it’s a scam.

If you’ve spotted any of these signs of a scam, tell the online dating app or social media platform right away.  And then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Did you get a text message from us? We hope not; we never reach out to clients via phone or text message to verify User Names or Passcodes. But scammers are trying to.

Beware of fraudster attempts to obtain your online banking credentials and personal information. Specifically, scammers are reaching out via text, under the guise of a Fraud Alert, to get your response. If you respond to this text, the fraudster will contact you by phone almost immediately.

The scam involves the person on the phone requesting confidential information such as your User ID and Passcodes to gain access to your accounts. In several situations, fraudsters have spoofed the caller ID to show the financial institution’s phone number. To you, the client, this looks like the phone calls or SMS texts are originating from us, your financial institution.

Please remember that we do not reach out via phone or text to request personal information or to verify challenge questions. If you experience this type of outreach or activity, please let us know immediately so that we can review your account activity to mitigate potential fraud. And then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

During this unprecedented national health emergency, fraudsters will continue to find every way possible to take advantage of the situation. Please be extra cautious during this time and stay safe.

In light of recent developments related to the coronavirus, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is reminding Americans that FDIC-insured banks remain the safest place to keep their money. The FDIC is also warning consumers of recent scams where imposters are pretending to be agency representatives to perpetrate fraudulent schemes.

Since 1933, no depositor has ever lost a penny of FDIC-insured funds. Today, the FDIC insures up to $250,000 per depositor per FDIC-insured bank. An FDIC-insured account is the safest place for consumers to keep their money. Some banks may have adjusted hours or services in compliance with Centers for Disease Control guidance on social distancing. Customers’ deposits remain safe in these banks, as does customer access to their funds. Banks continue to offer ATM, mobile, or online banking services, and many continue to provide services via drive-through windows.

FDIC's Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE) is a tool that can help consumers determine deposit insurance coverage based on accounts they may already have with a bank or accounts they are considering opening. The agency recommends using EDIE for questions about FDIC deposit insurance coverage.

During these unprecedented times consumers may receive false information regarding the security of their deposits or their ability to access cash. The FDIC does not send unsolicited correspondence asking for money or sensitive personal information. The agency will never contact people asking for personal details, such as bank account information, credit and debit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords.

Consumers may also be contacted by persons who claim to be employed by an agency, bank, or another entity. These scams may involve a variety of communication channels, including emails, phone calls, letters, text messages, faxes, and social media. Scammers might also ask for personal information such as bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other details that can be used to commit fraud or sell a person's identity. Consumers should not provide this information.

Additional resources for consumers include:

• FDIC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Bankers and Consumers
• FDIC Consumer News: How FDIC Protects Customers – February article
• FDIC: Avoiding Scams: Sticking to the Basics Can Go a Long Way

Consumers are also encouraged to contact the FDIC's Call Center at 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342), Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET), if they have any questions or believe they have been a victim of fraud or a scam.

In July, we reported on a rise in scam attempts where Social Security beneficiaries were being asked to pay to reactivate, protect, or restore their benefits. Currently, Social Security scams are the most commonly reported  type of fraud and scam , and according to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), these scams continue to evolve. The OIG is now warning the public  that scammers are making phone calls and then following up with emails containing falsified documents aimed at convincing people to pay.

You may have received one of these calls – either a recorded voice or a person falsely claiming to be a government employee, warning you of an issue with your Social Security number, account, or benefits, including identity theft. The caller may threaten arrest or other legal action, or they may offer to increase benefits, protect your assets, or resolve identity theft if you provide payment using a retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency such as Bitcoin, or a pre-paid debit card. 

Here's how to tell if it's legitimate or a scam: 

Read more: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/five-ways-to-recognize-social-security-scam/

It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Lots of us have profiles on online dating sites, apps or social media to find “the one.” But that interesting person who just messaged you could be a sweet-talking romance scammer trying to trick you into sending money.

Reports of romance scams are growing, and costing people a lot of cash. According to new FTC data, the number of romance scams people report to the FTC has nearly tripled since 2015. Even more, the total amount of money people reported losing in 2019 is six times higher than it was five years ago – from $33 million lost to romance scammers in 2015 to $201 million in 2019. People reported losing more money to romance scams in the past two years than to any other fraud reported to the FTC. 

Read more: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/02/its-not-true-love-if-they-ask-money

Your personal information is valuable. That’s why hackers try to steal it. This year, for National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’ve got tips to help you keep your personal information from ending up in the hands of a hacker.

Protect your phone

Let’s start with protecting the data on your phone. Set your phone to lock automatically and create a passcode to unlock it. Use at least a 6-digit passcode.

When you notice an update for your phone is available, run it promptly. Those updates could include critical security patches.

Back up your phone regularly. That way, if you lose it, you’ll still have access to your personal information.

Use an app that will help you find your phone if you lose it – or if someone steals it. If it’s the latter, you can use the app to remotely lock your phone or erase the data on it.

Protect your computer

To protect your computer from threats like malware use security software and update it regularly, or set it to update automatically.

Protect your accounts

To protect your accounts, use strong passwords. Consider using multi-factor authentication for accounts that offer it. (If you’re trying to enable multi-factor authentication on your account, it might be called two-factor authentication or two-step verification.)

Connect safely

Know what makes a wireless network secure. Start with your own wireless network and router. Then find out how to use public Wi-Fi safely.

Keep your info to yourself

Another way to protect your personal information is to recognize scammers’ attempts to steal it. Phishing attacks by email or text may try to trick you into giving up your passwords, account numbers, or other personal information. Or callers might lie about your Social Security number being suspended and urge you to contact them. (Listen to this recording of a Social Security scam.)

Check out more tips about online security. If you want to get more consumer tips in your inbox, sign up for Consumer Alerts.

This information was originally distributed by the IRS. 

Got an unexpected email about a tax refund? It’s not from us: IRS does NOT email taxpayers out of the blue. Watch out for scams: www.irs.gov/alerts 

Got a DM? IRS does NOT contact taxpayers through social media requesting personal or financial information. See: www.irs.gov/alerts 

IRS will never initiate contact with you through email about a bill or tax refund. Watch out for scams: www.irs.gov/alerts 

Got an unexpected IRS email? It’s a SCAM: Don’t reply, click on links or open attachments. For your Tax Security, forward it as-is to phishing@irs.gov, www.IRS.gov/phishing

If you get an email from IRS requesting personal information, don’t click on any links -- it’s a SCAM. Forward it as-is to phishing@irs.gov, www.IRS.gov/phishing

Sometimes the Federal Trade Commission is able to return money to people who were ripped off in a con artist’s scheme. But scammers try to cause confusion and take advantage at every step.

If you lost money in a scam, you might get a call or email from someone claiming that they can help you recover your funds – if you pay them, hand over personal information, or allow them remote access to your computer. Don’t do it! Recent complaints to the FTC show that scammers are:

• targeting people who lost money to tech support scams
• claiming to be from the FTC’s Refund Department or Refund Division
• using the name of real FTC employees.

So how can you tell whether an FTC refund is real?

• If the FTC contacts you about a refund, you’ll find information about the case at ftc.gov/refunds. You can be sure the phone numbers and links on this page are legit.
• The FTC never requires you to pay fees or asks you for sensitive information, like your Social Security number or bank account information. The FTC also never asks for remote access to your computer. If someone claims to be from the FTC and does, it’s a scam.

If you get a call from someone who says they’re from the FTC but asks you for money or sensitive information, please notify the real FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

The general rule of thumb is if you can reduce your current interest rate by 1% or more, it is worth doing a mortgage refinance. Many people are happy to follow this rule as long as it lowers their monthly payment or allows them to take out some cash, without digging deeper into the numbers. 

What is Home Mortgage Refinancing?

A home mortgage refinancing, or home loan refinancing, is basically the process of taking out a new mortgage with new terms and interest rate to pay off the existing home loan. 

Why Should You Consider Refinancing Your Home Loan?

There are several reasons why refinancing might be right for you. Typically, people refinance their home for one or more of the following reasons:

• Lower your monthly mortgage payment: The main reason to refinance is to lower your monthly payment. This helps improve your cashflow, so that you will have more money available to do other things. You can lower your monthly mortgage payment by taking out a new loan at a lower interest rate, or by taking out a longer-term loan.
• Lower your overall costs: Another reason is to lower your borrowing costs by taking advantage of the lower interest rate. This is why more people are refinancing their home loans when interest rates are low.
• Reduce your risk: Refinancing can also be used as a risk management tool. For example, if your original home loan is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), you could refinance to a Fixed Rate Mortgage to protect yourself against a sudden rise in interest rates when the initial discount period expires.
• Raise cash: Refinancing can also be used to unlock your home equity and gain access to cash. This is referred to as cash-out refinancing. Specifically, you are taking out a larger loan than you currently owe and keeping the difference in cash…essentially borrowing more money against your home. Money raised from refinancing could be used for different purposes; for instance, for home renovation, to pay off high-interest debts such as credit card debts, to pay for major expenses, or investment purposes.
• Shorten your mortgage term: Refinancing isn’t always about lowering your monthly payment. If you earn more than you used to, it may be worthwhile to convert your longer-term mortgage to a shorter-term loan. This is generally better than prepaying your loan because shorter-term loans have lower interest rates than a longer-term loan. This will help you pay off your home loan much faster and potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments.
• Eliminate Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): If your equity increased above 20% due to the rise in your home value, refinancing could be an option to eliminate your PMI. Getting rid of your PMI could save you hundreds every month.

When Is The Best Time To Refinance Your Home Loan?

Typically, the best time to refinance your home mortgage is when interest rates are low. Due to the costs associated with refinancing, the current interest rate should be at least 1% lower than the interest rate on your existing loan for refinancing to make sense.

Moreover, you may also consider refinancing your home if:

• Your credit score improved enough to qualify for a better interest rate.
• Your financial situation changed significantly. For example, you want to lower your monthly payment because it is straining your budget.
• Your Adjustable Rate Mortgage teaser rate is expiring, and you expect your interest rate to rise.

Are There Costs To Refinance?  

There are closing costs associated with refinancing, similar to the closing costs you paid when you first purchased your home. Closing costs usually include fees related to survey, appraisal, title search, title insurance, realty transfer taxes, legal services, messenger or delivery services, document copying, etc.

In essence, you are selling the house back to yourself all over again. As such, you have to stay in your home for a few years after refinancing to make it worthwhile. The rule of thumb is to refinance when you can recover the cost of refinancing within 24 months.

Contact an Old Fort Mortgage Banker today to explore your refinancing options.

With the news of Hurricane Dorian impacting Florida and the Carolinas, we wanted to share some information from the Federal Trade Commission about charity scams.

After a natural disaster strikes, many people want to reach out and help the hurricane victims. However, here are a few tips to help avoid hurricane relief charity fraud.

• Research the charity to make sure your monetary donation goes to a reputable organization.
• Watch newscasts from the affected area for charities accepting donations.
• When considering giving to a specific charity, search its name plus “complaint,” “review,” “ratings” or “scam.”
• The form of payment being requested can help identify scammers – they typically request donations by cash, gift card, or wiring money.
• When you feel you are giving to a reputable charity, it is safer to pay by credit card or check.
• Don’t let someone rush you into making a donation.
• Scammers try to trick you into paying them by thanking you for a donation you never made.
• Scammers can change caller ID to make a call look like its from a local area code.
• Scammers use names that sound a lot like names of real charities. This is one reason to do your research before paying.
• Bogus organizations may claim your donation is tax-deductible when it is not.

If you see any red flags, or if you’re not sure about how your donation will be used, consider giving to a different charity.

Report any scams to FTC.gov/complaint.  You can also find the state charity regulator at nasconet.org to report them. Please share any information you may have, like the name of the organization or fundraiser, phone numbers, and website and if you received a call.

Each of us is a valuable part of the cybersecurity chain, including our children, workers, older individuals, and students. From connecting with friends on social networks to managing finances online, we enjoy the convenience and efficiency of digital lives, but with the benefits also come risks. The personal information we share online while banking, shopping, and posting on social media presents an opportunity for cyber criminals to steal our sensitive data to commit crimes.

We learn about new scams, frauds, and databreaches almost daily. You don't have to be "tech savvy" to be safe online. To help protect yourself, the Department of Homeland Security and Old Fort Bank encourage you to follow these simple tips:

Lock Down Your Login: Usernames and passwords are often not enough to protect important accounts like email, banking, and social media. Fortify your accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as multi-factor authentication for online accounts, and fingerprint identification and security keys to lock your mobile device.

Keep a Clean Machine: Regularly update the software on your Internet-connected devices, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets, to reduce the risk of infection from malware.

Treat Personal Information Just Like Money: Information about you, such as your purchase history and location, has value - just like money. Protect your data by being cautious about how your information is collected by apps and websites.

Own Your Online Presence: Control and limit who can see your information online by checking the privacy and security settings on your accounts and apps. Anything you post publicly could potentially be seen by a cyber criminal, so keep your information private.

Share With Care: Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it, and how it could be perceived now and in the future.

Someone gets your personal information and runs up bills in your name. They might use your Social Security or Medicare number, your credit card, or your medical insurance – along with your good name. How would you know? You could get bills for things you didn’t buy or services you didn’t receive. Your bank account might have withdrawals you didn’t make. You might not get bills you expect. Or, you could check your credit report and find accounts you never knew about.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Protect your information. Put yourself in another person’s shoes. Where would they find your credit card or Social Security number? Protect your personal information by shredding documents before you throw them out, giving out your Social Security number only when you must, and using strong passwords online.
2. Read your monthly statements and check your credit. When you get your account statements and explanations of benefits, read them for accuracy. You should recognize what’s there. Once a year, get your credit report for free from AnnualCreditReport.com or 1-877-322-8228. The law entitles you to one free report each year from each credit reporting company. If you see something you don’t recognize, you will be able to deal with it.

Want to learn more? Sign up for Consumer Alerts at ftc.gov/stay-connected

If you suspect identity theft, act quickly. Please report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

• Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP  (1-877-382-4357) or TTY 1-866-653-4261
• Go online: ftc.gov/complaint

The FTC operator will tell you the proper steps to take. Visit ftc.gov/idtheft to learn more.

• Configure your device to require a passcode to gain access and/or Touch ID security.
• Avoid storing sensitive information. Mobile devices have a high likelihood of being lost or stolen, so you should avoid using them to store sensitive information. If sensitive data is stored, enable encryption to secure it.
• Keep your mobile device’s software up to date.
• Review the privacy policy and data access of any apps before installing them.
• Disable features not actively in use, such as bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and infrared. Set bluetooth-enabled devices to “non-discoverable” when bluetooth is enabled. Delete all information on a device before the device changes ownership. Use a “hard factory reset” to permanently erase all content and settings stored on the device.
• “Sign Out” or “Log Off” when finished with an app, rather than just closing it.
• Do not jailbreak or otherwise circumvent security controls. (Jailbreaking removes the manufacturers security restrictions on your phone.)