Log In
Log into Online Banking
Phishing Scam Targeting E-ZPass Users
Our security team was recently alerted to a new phishing scam targeting users of the turnpike E-ZPass system. This scam has been reported by toll agencies across the country over the past several days.
Don't Click on "Free" Computer Security Scans
There's no such thing as a free lunch, and there's no such thing as a "free" security scan for your computer. You may have been browsing the internet in the past and seen a pop-up or ad for a "free" scan to find malware on your computer. Some of these ads might even have official-looking logos like the Windows logo to make them appear more legitimate. Don't fall for it! These are scammers impersonating well-known companies and using scare tactics to trick you into paying to fix computer problems that may not even exist.
What To Do When Your Checks Are Altered
Mail check fraud continues to be a serious problem facing consumers and banks and combatting this epidemic of fraud is a top priority for the security team here at New Tripoli Bank. This type of fraud occurs when someone steals uncashed checks, either from personal or Post Office mail boxes (i.e. the blue mailboxes), then "washes" the checks and alters them to cash out themselves or sells uncashed checks online. This leaves the person who wrote the check paying someone who is not the intended recipient.
This New Phishing Scam is a Doozy!
We have recently been alerted to a new scam affecting consumers in our area that is a spin on classic phone phishing tactics.
Introducing the Newest Fake App Scam
The newest scam involving malicious apps is a doozy. A cybercriminal will contact you impersonating a law enforcement officer, claiming that your bank account may be involved in financial fraud. They then ask you to download a mobile app to help them investigate further. Once you download the app, the cybercriminal walks you through several steps that set this scam in motion.
Beware of Account Takeover
Account takeover is an attack in which cybercriminals seize ownership of online accounts by using stolen passwords and usernames, then use these credentials to commit fraud. They purchase personal information via the dark web—information collected through social engineering or data breaches. This information provides the necessary credentials for a fraudster to pose as a consumer. With this information, scammers can trick a consumer's financial institution to make changes to their accounts or card settings. They may change phone numbers, emails, or passcodes, apply for increased limits, or change the account holder's PIN and/or travel exemptions to interfere with the institution's fraud-monitoring tools.
Beware Imposter Phone Calls
We have recently received a number of calls from New Tripoli Bank customers who have been contacted by someone claiming to be from the bank and asking for personal information. These calls show up on the customer's phone with the caller ID saying they are from New Tripoli Bank, but the actual phone number of the caller is not one associated with the bank.
Look Out for Tech Support Scams
We have received an increasing number of reports in recent weeks of customers falling victim to a type of scam known as a tech support scam. In this type of scam, the victim encounters a pop-up on their computer that looks like a normal notification you would receive from your system or antivirus software, often using logos from trusted companies or websites. The notification warns you about a security issue on your computer and instructs you to either call a phone number for help or to click a link to a spoofed tech support page.
Mail Theft Continues to Affect Our Community
The wave of mail check fraud and mail theft continues to affect communities throughout Lehigh County. In a recent news release, PA state police asked for public assistance to identify a vehicle connected with multiple thefts from residential mailboxes.
Beware Debt Relief Scams
With the government unveiling its sweeping new student loan forgiveness plan, millions of Americans are going to be looking for a piece of the debt relief package. This is the ideal setting for scammers to swoop in and take advantage of people's eagerness, tricking them into giving up sensitive personal and financial information.
Fraudsters Impersonate PA Department Of Revenue In Letters Targeting Pennsylvania Businesses
Scam artists are impersonating the Department of Revenue by sending Pennsylvania business owners fraudulent letters in the mail that direct them to turn over their accounting records. The goal of this ploy is to trick unsuspecting taxpayers into providing sensitive financial information, which the criminals behind the scheme can use for a number of illicit activities that could seriously harm a business' financial standing.
Avoiding Payment App Scams
Ever since Facebook launched its marketplace it seems like the only way to shop is online shopping. Scammers have taken notice and are constantly finding new ways to trick careless online shoppers with various scams and fraud schemes. The latest scam on the online shopping block involves digital wallet apps and phony buyers on the Facebook Marketplace who "need" you to update your Zelle, CashApp, or other digital wallet in order to accept money from them.
Mail Check Fraud on the Rise
We have noticed a trend of increasing incidents of mail check fraud in our area in recent weeks. Mail check fraud occurs when a fraudster steals a check directly from your mailbox or the blue U.S. Post Office boxes and alters the amount on the check and/or the payee information on the check.
Avoiding Charity Scams
Every year, we hear about new scams involving faux fundraising for things like veterans, disaster relief, and other charitable causes. Scammers know how a sad story about someone rebuilding after a hurricane or someone coming home after serving our country can turn off the skeptical parts of our brains and get us to open our hearts and wallets to them. Charity scammers are especially active during the holidays since it's the biggest giving season of the year.
Be Aware of Bank Jugging
On November 18th around 11 AM, a bank jugging occurred at the ShopRite on Freemansburg Avenue in Bethlehem. The female victim, who had just left the Bank of America on Butztown Road and headed to the ShopRite, was followed by a Dodge minivan that had been parked next to the victim's vehicle at the bank, watching as the victim withdrew a sum of cash and put the envelope in her vehicle's glove box. Once at ShopRite, the person in the Dodge minivan waited for the victim to enter the store before exiting their minivan, smashing the victim's front passenger side window, and stole the envelope.
Today's Common Scams Targeting Senior Citizens
Each year older adults lose billions of dollars to financial exploitation. Defined as the illegal or improper use of an older person’s funds, property or assets, elder financial exploitation (EFE) is a devastating crime. It not only impacts an elder’s financial situation, but often takes an emotional toll as well. Victims of such abuse frequently experience intense feelings of fear, depression, anger, and humiliation. In turn, abused elders may be at risk of poorer health outcomes and increased mortality relative to their counterparts.
Celebrating World Password Day
In recognition of World Password Day, New Tripoli Bank would like to remind our customers and members of our community that they should be taking steps to safeguard their personal account information, including their password, and to make sure they know what to do if they suspect they have been affected by a reported breach.
Beware of Advanced Look-alike Websites
Phishing scams have taken many forms throughout the years and it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with the new tools that hackers have developed to steal consumers’ personal and financial data. Since the internet boom in the early 2000’s, one of the more common methods has been creating domain names and web pages that are virtually indistinguishable from actual websites, then sending links to these websites to vulnerable users’ emails.
Beware of Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Vaccines
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are warning the public about several emerging fraud schemes related to COVID19 vaccines. The FBI, HHS-OIG, and CMS have received complaints of scammers using the public’s interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information (PII) and money through various schemes. We continue to work diligently with law enforcement partners and the private sector to identify cyber threats and fraud in all forms.
Read More -Beware of Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Vaccines
Cybersecurity Tips for Holiday Shopping
For most of us, the holiday season is about friends, family, food—and shopping! Black Friday and Cyber Monday fall just after Thanksgiving in the U.S., but internationally, they are two of the busiest shopping days of the year. Unfortunately, while you’re looking for holiday deals, the bad guys are looking for ways to scam you any way they can.
IRS Warns of COVID-19 Text Scams
The IRS, state tax agencies, and the tax industry yesterday warned of a new text scam created by thieves that trick people into disclosing bank account information under the guise of receiving the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment. "Criminals are relentlessly using COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments as cover to try to trick taxpayers out of their money or identities," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "This scam is a new twist on those we've been seeing much of this year. We urge people to remain alert to these types of scams."
Avoiding IRS Phone Scams
We have received a few calls recently from our customers reporting encounters with individuals impersonating IRS officials over the telephone. This is a very common tactic for scammers to try and steal your personal information and we want to take this opportunity to advise our customers how they can avoid getting scammed the next time they pick up the phone.
Watch Out For Schemes Tied to Economic Impact Payments
The Internal Revenue Service is urging taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of calls and email phishing attempts about the Coronavirus or COVID-19. These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.
Read More -Watch Out For Schemes Tied to Economic Impact Payments
Beware of Gift Card Scams
We've all been on the receiving end of gift cards for the holidays. After all, they are a convenient present for when you're not sure what to get your friend or relative, but still need to get a gift for them. Unfortunately, what should be something harmless can often be used by scammers as a way to defraud people out of their money.
Wawa Notifies Customers of Data Security Incident
Wawa is notifying potentially impacted individuals about a data security incident that affected customer payment card information used at potentially all Wawa locations during a specific timeframe. Based on the investigation to date, the information is limited to payment card information, including debit and credit card numbers, expiration dates and cardholder names, but does not include PIN numbers or CVV2 numbers.
Read More -Wawa Notifies Customers of Data Security Incident
Tips for Secure Online Shopping
The internet has revolutionized the way we shop. You can search for items from many different sellers from the comfort of your living room, easily compare pricing between vendors, and purchase products with the click of a mouse. While this has made shopping easier than ever, it leaves you vulnerable to attackers attempting to steal your personal and financial information.
Scams Targeting Millennials Becoming More Common
One of the descriptors most commonly attributed to millennials is "tech-savvy." Coming of age in the late 90's and early 00's, during the Information Age and the rise of social media, we think of millennials as "plugged in" and exceptionally cognizant of how to navigate the internet. Consequently, one would assume millennials are skilled at avoiding the pitfalls of an increasingly connected world.
Tips for Safeguarding Sensitive Data
In recognition of National Cybersecurity Month in October, New Tripoli Bank is reminding consumers of simple steps they can take to safeguard their sensitive data when making purchases online or via a smart device and what to do if they suspect their information has been compromised.