YEAGERTOWN — The Mifflin County Regional Police Department has been contacted in reference to multiple scams involving online banking.
Individuals who conduct online banking have been subject to multiple, seemingly unclosable, popups advising them to contact a fraudulent customer service number. The scammer instructs victims to empty their accounts since their account has been “breached” and their money is in danger. The scammer, posing as a bank employee, will then find ways to obtain the funds, typically through bitcoin, under the guise of creating a new bank account for the victim.
Scammers have also been convincing victims to give them remote access to their computers and phones, revealing personal information and passwords. This could also provide permanent access to the scammer, requiring extensive service to the computer or phone for correction.
“The best defense is recognition of the fraud for what it is,” Mifflin County Regional Chief of Police, Andre French, said. “There are three major indicators, or red flags, of fiduciary fraud. First, an enormous amount of pressure will be placed on potential victims to take action quickly.
In reality, rarely is there a need to act with such haste. Slow it down. Process what is being presented. Fact check it with trusted friends or family. Fact check it with your financial institution or even your local police department. Second, potential victims will be asked to complete the financial transaction by non-traditional means. The most common method of payment these criminals request is some sort of prepaid gift card. In this particular instance, crypto-currency was involved. Finally, these requests to take action come to potential victims unsolicited.”
Legitimate businesses and organizations will never require you to provide payment in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency (bitcoin).
“If you receive a solicitation that contains one or more of the warning signs, automatically assume fraud until you can properly research the matter,” French said. “Contact your bank by phone or in person. The same goes for your local police department. The unfortunate reality of these frauds is that once money is transferred, it is almost never recoverable. Recognition is key.”
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