Fraud Prevention Tips

Fraud is on the rise across the banking industry, and the tactics are evolving. Here’s what we’re seeing, what we will never ask you for, and what you can do to stay protected.

Current fraud trends:

• Suspicious URLs and Attachments – if you receive a URL or an attachment from a “bank representative” or any other party, do not click until you have verified the identity of the sender.
• Impersonation – fraudsters often pose as bank employees to gain access to account information. Always confirm you are speaking with a Burling Bank employee.
• Additionally – these individuals will often try to create a sense of panic in their interactions – always slow down and double check.
•  Check fraud – while check usage is declining, check fraud is increasing. This can occur through mail theft, counterfeit checks, and other methods.
•  P2P and Marketplace Scams – when purchasing an item off an online platform such as Facebook Marketplace, be sure to confirm the identity of the seller first.
• Additionally – if you receive money from an unknown party on a platform such as Venmo or Zelle, do not return these funds by sending an additional payment.

What will Burling Bank, and other financial institutions, never ask you for?

• Account number
• Password
• One-time authentication code
• Full SSN

Other tips:

• Be skeptical of every email, especially if the sender claims to be a Bank rep
• Don’t rely on caller ID, even if your phone shows it’s your bank calling
• Always hang up: if you’re not 100% sure, hang up and dial the Bank number
• Instead of mailing checks, use our bill pay or Zelle systems
• When mailing checks, head to your local post office rather than a street box
• Monitor your accounts regularly – especially if writing checks

What to do if you suspect you’re a victim of fraud:

• Call your Burling Bank representative immediately at (312) 408-8400
• Change your passwords to bank and financial applications