We think it's important to stay 2 steps ahead of the bad guys

Contact us immediately at 800-322-8233 or Fraudhotline@countrybank.com if you receive requests for your Country Bank account information or if you disclosed your Country Bank account information.

Cyber Security Alerts:

Scammers use every trick in their communication arsenal to steal your identity, personal financial information, money and more. Suspicious communications in all its forms designed to either trick, surprise or scare someone into responding before thinking is No. 7 on the 2022 “Dirty Dozen” scams warning list, the Internal Revenue Service announced today, warning everyone to be on the lookout for bogus calls, texts, emails and posts online to gain trust or steal. To learn more, please click here.

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Bad Actors are using well-known companies good names (e.g. Amazon, Lowe’s, Apple, etc.) to send fake text messages and emails that are intentionally designed to trick unsuspecting consumers to click on a link confirming a purchase (which you did not make) and offering recipients rewards, returns, or other gifts. Consumers are ultimately tricked to sign into their online banking account or download mobile apps that give the fraudsters access to personal and online banking information. Once the fraudster has access, they may transfer funds between your various banking accounts to make it seem as if there was a funding error that you the consumer is required to repay. Fraudsters then often ask the funds to be “repaid” using gift cards, mobile payment services such as Venmo or Cash App, wire transfers, or other methods. If this happens to you, disconnect from the fraudster and immediately reach out to the bank via phone.

Please remember that a legitimate business or your bank will never ask you to provide your bank passwords, ATM/Debit card pins, or account log-in information.

For more information on how to avoid or report a scam, please visit the Federal Trade Commission website at: https://www.ftc.gov

Here’s some helpful information on avoiding scams.

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To Report Fraud & Scams Cybersecurity

To Report Fraud & Scams

Beware of scams targeting your personal and financial information. Fraudsters use publically available information and trending news to trick you into thinking they are a legitimate business, charity, government agency, or even someone you know. Two common red flags for scams are urgency and secrecy. A scammer will try to convince you to make a decision quickly and without allowing you to discuss it will others who may catch on to their rouse. Information about 10 scams targeting bank customers.

To report fraud and scams, please see the information below:

Received by	Notify	Website	Telephone Number
Mail	Office of the Attorney General Postal Inspector	mass.gov postalinspectors.uspis.gov	617-727-8400 800-275-8777
Telephone	Office of the Attorney General Federal Trade Commission	mass.gov ftc.gov	617-727-8400 202-326-2222
Internet	Office of the Attorney General Federal Bureau of Investigation Federal Trade Commission	mass.gov ic3.gov ftc.gov/faq	617-727-8400 202-326-2222

Cybersecurity

Protect your computer systems from intrusions that could lead to loss or theft of data or software.

Use complex passwords – Utilizing passwords that are a mixture of numbers, letters, and symbols works best. Avoid using dictionary words or names. It is recommended that you use a unique password for each of your sites and programs.

Have an Anti-Virus – Install system patches and perform virus scans regularly. Even better- set your system to update automatically so you don’t have to remember.

Beware of Social Engineering – Don’t click suspicious links or attachments received in emails. Those files or malicious websites could infect your system with malware. The same goes for any pop-up windows that tell you your computer is infected with a virus. By clicking on that pop-up, you’re actually downloading the virus.

Back up your data – If your systems are compromised, you’ll be glad you have your data backed up on another device or server.

For the latest internet security news and helpful videos, visit www.consumerreports.org.

Identity Theft Elder Financial Exploitation

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime and it’s on the rise. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years – and thousands of dollars – cleaning up the mess.

Be sure to review financial account and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make. Inspect your credit reports for accuracy and immediately report errors. You are entitled by law to receive one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus each year. For more information regarding your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

If you suspect your identity has been used fraudulently, visit www.identitytheft.gov for a free customized recovery plan.

Want comprehensive protection for your personal and financial data? Add Kasasa Protect^TM to your checking account.

Elder Financial Exploitation

Elder financial exploitation is the illegal or improper use of an elder’s resources by a family member, friend, neighbor, acquaintance or stranger. Some studies estimate financial abuse and fraud costs older Americans $36.5 billion per year.

To make a confidential report of the suspected abuse of an elder in the State of Massachusetts, contact the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275 or visit www.mass.gov

Elder Abuse – FAQs

Elder Abuse – Protect yourself from scams

Reporting Elder Financial Abuse

Preventing Elder Financial Abuse
Helpful Links Kasasa Protect™

Helpful Links

United States Postal Inspection Service – Report theft or fraud through the USPS.

National Do Not Call Registry – Register for the Do-Not-Call list.

Opt Out of Credit or Insurance Offers – Opt out of receiving credit and insurance offers.

Federal Trade Commission – Receive consumer protection information or report ID theft and fraud.

Office of the Attorney General Commonwealth of Massachusetts – File a consumer dispute against a business or get information on affordable housing, health and social services, unclaimed property and more.

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center – Report a complaint regarding internet crime.

We think it's important to stay 2 steps ahead of the bad guys

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To Report Fraud & Scams

To report fraud and scams, please see the information below:

Cybersecurity

Identity Theft

Elder Financial Exploitation

Helpful Links

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