Financial fraud is, unfortunately, quite commonplace today. Individuals and businesses are being targeted by thieves leveraging both the latest technologies and old-fashioned scams.
To assist customers and the community at large, GRB has assembled brief descriptions of some of the more prevalent fraud activities being seen today, as well as links to additional GRB security resources.
Unusual Activity on Your GRB Account or Debit Card
If you suspect fraud on your account or debit card, please notify as soon as you can so we can help you take steps to protect yourself:
- Please contact us within one business day of noticing any unusual transactions or activity on your account or debit card.
- For secure inquiries, message us from within the GRB online banking app, submit an inquiry to us using the Fraud Incident Report form below, or contact one of our branches directly.
- Do not include account numbers or other private information in your inquiry.
- Someone from our fraud prevention team will reach out to you personally. Remember, a GRB representative will never ask you for your account number or password in order to assist you with a fraud report.
Additional GRB Fraud and Security Links
Current Financial Fraud Trends
- After you close on your home mortgage or home equity line of credit, the scammers come out in full force. Your loan information is a matter of public record. Be aware of common cons and rip-offs that leverage your home loan information. You may also receive legitimate – though usually unneccessary – offers from insurance and home warranty companies. Be cautious. These offers can look very official and often leverage the name of the lender and county record information, and create a sense of urgency using terms like “Final Notice” and “Time Sensitive.” They may include vouchers and other discounts (click for an example of one of these offers). If you have any questions about these follow up offers, we encourage you to contact us.
- Fannie Mae has learned about a consumer fraud approach involving a person claiming to be a Fannie Mae rep. The fake rep contacts borrowers and offers to modify their mortgage in exchange for gift cards or other payment. Fannie Mae does not contact individual borrowers. Questions can be directed to Fannie Mae at 1-800-2FANNIE (1-800-232-6643) option 4, or check the agency’s consumer alert web page.
- The META malware threat tricks recipients into opening spreadsheets and downloading macros that steal crypto assets and passwords housed in web browsers including Edge, Chrome, and Firefox.
- Hacking and cyber-attacks have been used by Russia. Be extra cyber prepared by implementing additional security protocols for your personal and business accounts.
- Be aware of fraudulent charities related to the situation in Ukraine. If you wish to donate to relief efforts, please use known and reputable organizations. See the FTC alert.
- Getting a check in the mail with instructions on how you can earn a fee by cashing the check and then sending gift cards, money orders or personal checks to a third party. It’s a scam! See the FTC Alert.
- Emergency instructions from a company executive ordering an immediate transfer of funds to an unfamiliar account. See the ic3.gov Alert.
For more information on recent fraud trends and how to avoid becoming a victim, go to the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts.
Fraud Assistance
Fraud occurs in many forms. Finding the right resource is critical in receiving the help you need to protect yourself. If you are a victim of fraud, we encourage you to use the comprehensive list of organizations that offer fraud assistance located on our Blog.
Reporting Fraud to GRB
- If you are a GRB customer or believe you may have been targeted by thieves using a GRB account, please fill out the form below.
- If you believe you have been the victim of fraud related to another financial institution, please contact them directly.
You may also want to contact your local law enforcement agency, if you haven’t done so already.