Mitigating Fraud
Recently, we've seen a rise in sophisticated scams and phishing attempts across our local communities. By staying alert and knowing how to respond, you can protect yourself and your financial wellness.
Reminder:
Hills Bank will never reach out to you through phone, text, or email to request your password, secure access code, debit card information, or any other personal information that could compromise your account. Please do not respond to these requests.
Fraud Categories
Fraud can usually be categorized in one of several ways, including:
A scammer pretends to be someone you trust, such as a friend or family member, a bank employee, or a Social Security official. They may ask you to transfer money or provide personal information, such as your banking credentials, account or debit card number, PIN, or other sensitive data. Here’s how you can protect yourself against these scams:
- Think twice about the caller or sender’s identity:
Caller ID and email addresses can be faked. If you know how to get a hold of the sender via a different method, be sure to do so to verify their identity. - Avoid suspect payment methods:
Legitimate vendors, services, and government agencies rarely need you to pay via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. If someone asks you for these kinds of payments, that should raise a red flag. - Be willing to say no:
Scammers may try to give you a sense of urgency to their request – especially over the phone. If you’re feeling pressured, be willing to firmly say “no,” and hang up. If the request is legitimate, you can contact the relevant party in a different way.
This type of fraud may occur after an imposter scam – or it may seem to come completely out of the blue. Identity theft involves a fraudster stealing personal information such as your name, credit card number, insurance information, social security number, and other important data. Thieves use this info to access your bank accounts, open credit cards and loans in your name, file false tax returns to collect your refund, etc. If any of the following events happen to you, your identity may have been stolen:
- Unexpected withdrawals from your bank account
- Bills that normally come in the mail suddenly stop
- Debt collectors call about debt you don’t recognize
- Medical care providers send you bills for treatments you didn’t receive
One of the best ways to make sure your identity hasn’t been stolen is to check your credit report regularly. You can get a free credit report with no strings attached at https://www.annualcreditreport.com
If you suspect your identity has been stolen, be sure to visit www.IdentityTheft.gov for a list of steps to take based on your circumstances.
Criminals have been known to install hardware that “skims” bank cards, stealing private information and access to accounts, among other things. Before you put your debit card into an ATM, check to see that everything appears to be in working condition:
- Pay attention to what the card readers and keypads look like at the ATMs you frequently use. Check them over for anything that looks out of the ordinary such as unusual scratches or gouges, wires, tape residue on or near the card reader, or odd-looking equipment attached to the ATM.
- Check for obvious signs of tampering. Common points of tampering include the top of the ATM, speakers, side of the screen, card reader, and keypad.
- When using ATMs or PIN devices, you should always shield your PIN by placing your hand over the keypad as you enter your PIN.
- Criminals also use card skimming devices designed to jam your card inside an ATM, and then disguise themselves as a helpful stranger who watches as you input your PIN a few times, while the card remains stuck. After you leave, the thief will remove your card and have your PIN. Be sure to carefully observe ATMs for fraudulent devices and be aware of your surroundings when conducting transactions.
Do not use an ATM if the card reader appears to be loose or fits poorly. If you see something suspicious that you think may be an ATM skimmer, alert the business where the ATM is located. If it’s after business hours, call the local authorities.
Unfortunately, ATM skimming is a problem around the world. Hills Bank continues to monitor both local and international fraud trends to make sure we are aware of the latest scamming techniques and update our technologies to combat the changing tactics of criminals. And as always, monitor and review your account information and report any suspicious or fraudulent transactions immediately by calling us at 1-800-445-5725 (1-800-HILLSBK).
Credit and debit card fraud is one of the most common types of fraud, but thankfully it’s also one of the easiest to spot. Be sure to check your transaction statement each month, or better yet: keep up to date on your transactions in real time with Hills Bank Online. If you see an unfamiliar transaction, reach out to your financial institution as soon as possible.
If you think you see fraud or other suspicious activity on your Hills Bank account, please reach out to our Customer Contact Center as soon as possible. We’re available by calling 1-800-445-5725 (1-800-HILLSBK).
Customer Contact Center hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - noon
For a lost or stolen credit card after hours, call 1-800-423-7503.
For lost or stolen ATM/Debit Cards after hours, call 1-833-773-8204.
Grandparent Scam
Recently, fraudsters have targeted seniors in our area with what is known as a “grandparent scam.” That’s because these scammers call a potential victim, portray themselves as a lawyer, and claim that their child or grandchild was involved in an accident where someone was injured, and the victim’s child or grandchild is being held in jail until bail money is paid in cash. The scammer might tell the victim there is a gag order by a judge and they cannot talk to anyone about it. They will even tell the victim to lie to their bank if they ask any questions.
You should know that the police will never send someone to your house to pick up cash, or ask you to leave it with a courier. If you receive a call like this, try to contact your child or grandchild using the method you normally would. You can also ask the caller which police department made the supposed arrest. Then, hang up and call that police department and ask to speak to an officer to verify the claim.
If you believe you may have been targeted by fraud, you can report it by visiting https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ . Our bankers are also here to help. Get in touch at hillsbank.com by clicking the chat bubble on the bottom-right-hand side of your screen to chat with a banker during business hours, give us a call at 1-800-445-5725 (1-800-HILLSBK), or visit your local Hills Bank.
Shop Safely Online
When shopping online, be sure your computer and mobile devices are current with the latest software updates. Any time your browser or operating system can be updated, you should do so to help minimize vulnerabilities on your device.
You can also help protect your personal information by checking the site’s security settings and privacy policy. If the site is secure, its address should start with https://. Depending on your browser, you might also see a lock icon next to the URL indicating the site’s security. Do not purchase anything online that doesn’t come from an https:// website.
Additionally, consider using a legitimate online payment service rather than entering your information into the site itself. That way, the seller or website doesn’t obtain your credit or debit card number. And as a general rule: online merchants have no need for your social security number, except under very specific circumstances involving credit or background checks. If a site asks for your SSN for a basic transaction, that should raise a red flag.
Cryptocurrency ATM Scams
A number of cryptocurrency ATMs have opened in the area, allowing buyers to use cash to purchase cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. But these ATMs are not regulated, and scammers can take advantage. If you intend to use a crypto ATM, make sure that the digital currency you receive is being sent to a wallet you own – not one that has been given to you by a stranger through a QR code. Also, be aware that government agencies and companies will never demand payments through cryptocurrency. If you receive such a request, it’s a scam!
Email Scams
Scammers will often send malicious emails with fake great offers. You should be wary of clicking on links to offers that seem “too good to be true” or opening email attachments: some can contain malicious software designed to steal your personal information. Remember not to respond to emails asking for your credit card, debit card, bank account numbers, or other personal information. If you are asked to update information, navigate to the official company website to update your information or call their customer service to check the legitimacy of the email. When it doubt, throw it out.
Text Scams
A text message scam is similar to an email scam, but it targets your mobile phone instead of your computer. Common text message scams promise free gifts or products in order to gain access to your personal information. Also, beware of fraudsters sending text messages claiming your credit/debit card has been stopped or your bank account information needs to be updated. They attempt to lure you in to providing personal bank information. If you receive a message like this, always contact your bank or credit card provider first and do not respond to the texts.
Gift Card Scams
There are several different types of gift card scams out there which give headaches to retailers and customers alike. Gift card scams happen most frequently via online auction sites or classified ad sites. If you’re buying gift cards, it’s best to get them directly from the retailer. Many people use gift cards to pay for transactions, especially around the holiday season. But if a merchant asks or requires you to pay with a gift card, that should be a red flag. While shopping throughout the holiday season, keep in mind that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Romance Scams
If an online dating partner shows any of these signs, it could be a scam:
- Professes love too quickly
- Claims to be overseas, on an oil rig, on military deployment, or otherwise physically unavailable
- Tries to lure you off the dating site or get your personal information
- Needs money for an "emergency," for hospital bills, travel, etc.
What To Do
If you see the signs above:
- Slow down: Don't let a scammer rush you. Talk to someone you trust about what's happening.
- Never transfer money: Whether from your bank account, wire transfer, or even gift card.
- Report it: Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov to submit a fraud report and access additional resources.
- Contact us: If you believe your banking information or finances may be compromised, our bankers can help. Call 1-800-445-5725 (1-800-HILLSBK) or click the Chat With Us button on the bottom of this page during business hours.
Fake Bank Agent
Customers have reported receiving a call from a phone number that appears to be Hills Bank – but is actually a fraud attempt known as “spoofing.” The fraudster(s) have reportedly asked for customers’ debit card PIN and/or online banking ID and password, sometimes under the guise of verifying account changes.
It’s important to remember that Hills Bank will never reach out to you through phone, text, or email to request your password, secure access code, debit card information, or any other personal information that could compromise your account. Please do not respond to these requests.
If you believe you may have been targeted by this fraud or another scam, or have a question about a message that appears to come from Hills Bank, please reach out to us at any of our locations, through the chat bubble on hillsbank.com or by signing into your online banking account, or over the phone. Our Customer Contact Center is available seven days a week by calling 1-800-445-5725 (1-800-HILLSBK).
Hills Bank Customer Contact Center hours:
- Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (noon)
After Hours Call Center hours:
- Monday - Friday 5-11 p.m.
- Saturday 12 p.m. (noon) - 5 p.m.
- Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Credit Score Repair Scams
Recently, customers have been targeted by fraudsters claiming to help repair their credit score. The fraudsters often provide bad checks and instruct people to use them to make specific, hard-to-trace purchases like gift cards – claiming that doing so will help improve their credit score.
While many companies promise quick fixes for your credit score, be wary of those that seem too good to be true. Legitimate credit repair takes time and effort. Watch out for companies that ask for upfront payment before providing services, guarantee they can remove accurate negative information, or tell you not to contact credit bureaus directly. By law, you're entitled to a free credit report each year from annualcreditreport.com, which you can use to check your credit information. Remember: you have the right to dispute incorrect information on your credit report yourself, at no cost.
At Hills Bank, we're committed to helping you build and maintain good credit the right way. If you're concerned about your credit score, get in touch with us to discuss legitimate steps you can take to improve it. You can get in touch with us via chat below or stop by any of our locations to meet with a banker. We'll be happy to help you reach your credit score goals!
If you think you are being targeted by scammers or see suspicious activity on your account, please reach out to our Customer Contact Center as soon as possible. We’re available by calling 1-800-445-5725 (1-800-HILLSBK).
- Customer Contact Center hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - noon
What to Do if You Suspect or Spot Fraud
Take Immediate Action
If you have lost your debit card or suspect it is being used fraudulently, you can freeze your debit card yourself by logging into Hills Bank Online on your desktop computer or mobile app. Then, select “Security” on the navigation bar, followed by “Turn Debit Card On/Off.”
Submit a Transaction Dispute
If you see a fraudulent transaction on your statement or transaction list, log into Hills Bank Online. Then:
- Click on the relevant account
- Select “Options” on the right side (the three vertical dots)
- Select “Dispute Transactions” and check off which transactions are suspect
We’ll review the transactions you selected and take action as needed.
Give Us a Call
If you think you see fraud or other suspicious activity on your account, please reach out to our Customer Contact Center as soon as possible. We’re available by calling 1-800-445-5725 (1-800-HILLSBK):
Customer Contact Center hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - noon
For a lost or stolen credit card after hours, call 1-800-423-7503.
For lost or stolen ATM/Debit Cards after hours, call 1-833-773-8204.
Stay Alert
If you receive a request for personal information which appears to be from Hills Bank, please contact us at 1-800-445-5725 (1-800-HILLSBK) to verify the validity of the request.
It’s important to remember that Hills Bank will never reach out to you through phone, text, or email to request your password, secure access code, debit card information, or any other personal information that could compromise your account. Please do not respond to these requests.
Web Resources
If you believe you have received fraudulent communication, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Trade Commission’s website also has more information on privacy, identity, and online security.
The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker is a great way to find and report scams near you.
Visit annualcreditreport.com to get a free copy of each of your credit reports.
If you suspect your identity has been stolen, be sure to visit www.IdentityTheft.gov for a list of steps to take based on your circumstances.