🔊 Vishing (Voice Phishing)

Scammers impersonate trusted sources through calls, voicemails, or texts, asking you to call a number and provide personal information.

Common Tactics:

• Voicemail claims suspicious activity on your account.
• Caller pretends to be from your bank and asks for your PIN.
• Text message says your account is locked and gives a fake number to call.

💡Tips:

• Never share personal info over the phone unless you initiated the call to a verified number. This includes account numbers, card numbers, SSN, etc.
• We will NEVER make an unsolicited call requesting your personal information.
• If you ever believe you are not talking to a representative of a legitimate company, hang up and call the number listed on their official website.

📱 Smishing (SMS Phishing)

Fraudulent text messages try to trick you into clicking links or calling numbers to steal your data or install malware.

Common Tactics:

• “Your package is delayed. Click here to reschedule.”
• “Your account is frozen. Call now to reactivate.”
• “You’ve been charged for a subscription. Cancel here.”

💡Tips:

• Don’t click suspicious links or respond to unknown texts. Contact your provider directly if unsure.

💻 Phishing (Email Scams)

Phishing emails appear to come from legitimate companies and try to trick you into clicking links or downloading attachments to steal your information.

Examples:

• Email from a “bank” asking you to verify your account by clicking a link.
• Message from a “delivery service” with a fake tracking link.
• Email with an urgent subject like “Your account will be closed—act now!”

💡Tips:

• Hover over links to check their destination. Don’t open attachments or click links from unknown senders.
• PBMW will never send you an email to update or confirm any sensitive information over email.
• Emails containing personal information should be sent securely using https://www.csiesafe.com/login.com. First time users must register through this link & then proceed with sending a secure email to customersupport@peoplesbankmtw.com.
• Emails with NON-customer sensitive information can be sent using your normal email to customersupport@peoplesbankmtw.com.

🎁 Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams

You’re told you’ve won a prize—but you never entered. Scammers ask for payment or personal info to “claim” it.

Common Tactics:

• Letter says you’ve won a foreign lottery and must pay taxes to claim it.
• Caller asks for your bank info to deposit your “winnings.”
• Email promises a gift card if you verify your identity.

💡Tips:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never pay to claim a prize.

✉️ Check Overpayment Scams

These scams target people selling items online. The scammer sends a fake check for more than the sale price and asks you to return the difference.

Examples:

• You sell an item online and receive a check for more than the agreed price.
• The “buyer” asks you to wire back the extra amount.
• The check later bounces, and you’re responsible for the full amount.

💡Tips:

• Never accept overpayments or wire money back to someone you don’t know.

🛡️Computer Protection

To help keep your information safe, we recommend the following best practices:

• Keep your operating system, browser, antivirus, and antispyware up to date.
• Change passwords regularly.
• Only download software from trusted sources.
• Read license agreements before installing anything.
• Close pop-ups using the “X”, not inside the ad.
• Set your browser security to a high level.
• Avoid clicking links in spam emails.
• Use a personal firewall.
• Only share personal info on secure, encrypted websites (look for “https”).

Identity Theft is one of the most common and costly forms of consumer fraud. It happens when someone uses your personal information—like your name, Social Security number, or credit card details—without permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

🔍 How Identity Theft Happens

• Old-Fashioned Theft: Stolen wallets, purses, or mail containing financial info.
• Dumpster Diving: Thieves search trash for bills or personal documents.
• Change of Address: Fraudsters redirect your mail to steal account info.
• Skimming: Devices copy your card’s magnetic strip without your knowledge.

👀 Monitor Your Accounts

Stay alert by regularly checking your transactions through Peoples Bank Mt. Washington Online Banking.

🔐 Protect Your Personal Information

• Don’t carry your Social Security card or documents with your SSN.
• Avoid printing sensitive info on checks.
• Store checks and IDs securely.
• Secure personal documents at home.
• Never leave personal items in your car.
• Shred financial documents before discarding.
• Keep PINs and passwords private.

⚠️ Signs Your Computer May Be Compromised

• Slower performance or screen changes
• Unexpected reboots or lockups
• Pop-ups saying “system unavailable”
• New toolbars or icons
• Inability to shut down or restart

📬 Mail Safety Tips

• Use the Post Office for outgoing mail.
• Collect incoming mail promptly or use a secure mailbox.
• Request a mail hold if you’re away.
• Track billing cycles—report missing bills.
• Expect new or replacement debit cards within 5 business days.

💡 Go Paperless:
Sign up for Online E-Statements to reduce mailbox risk. You’ll get an email when your statement is ready in your secure Online Banking account.

🧬 Corporate Account Takeover (CATO) Information & Awareness

Corporate Account Takeover is a fast-growing cybercrime where thieves use malware to steal login credentials and fraudulently transfer funds from business accounts.

🦠 What Is Malware?

Malware (malicious software) is designed to infiltrate your system without consent. It includes:

• Viruses
• Worms
• Trojans
• Spyware
• Rootkits
• Crimeware

💸 How Funds Are Stolen

Fraudsters use stolen credentials to initiate:

• Domestic & international wire transfers
• ACH payments (including payroll)
• Online bill payments

⚠️ How the Scam Works

1. Victim clicks a malicious link or visits an infected website.
2. Malware installs silently and monitors online banking activity.
3. Criminals collect login info and wait for the right moment.
4. They may hijack the session after hours or during token use.
5. Victim sees a fake message like “Online Banking is temporarily unavailable” while fraud occurs in the background.

🏛️ USA PATRIOT Act & Customer Identification

About the USA PATRIOT Act

The USA PATRIOT Act helps deter terrorism and financial crimes by strengthening tools for law enforcement and financial institutions.

Key Objectives:

• Prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Monitor high-risk international transactions and accounts.
• Require financial institutions to report suspicious activity.
• Block misuse of the U.S. financial system by corrupt foreign officials.

🧾 Customer Identification Program (CIP)

What You Need to Know When Opening an Account:

To help fight terrorism and money laundering, federal law requires all financial institutions to verify the identity of anyone opening a new account.

What We’ll Ask For:

• Your name, physical address, date of birth, and other identifying details.
• A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us protect our community and ensure a safer financial system.

🏘️ Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)

At Peoples Bank Mt. Washington, we’re proud to support the community where we live, work, and serve. As a locally owned and operated bank, we believe our success is tied to the well-being of our neighbors.

We are committed to:

• Meeting the financial needs of our community
• Making a positive, lasting impact through service and support

In compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), we maintain a complete CRA Public File, updated as of April 1 each year. This file is available for public inspection upon request.

🏧 ATM Security Tips

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

• Avoid poorly lit or isolated ATMs.
• Use machines in secure, monitored areas.

Watch for Skimming Devices

• Look for mismatched parts, sticky residue, or unusual signage.
• Check for hidden cameras or fake keypads.
• Cover your hand when entering your PIN.
• If something looks suspicious, don’t use the machine—report it to bank staff and local law enforcement.