Protect Yourself Against ID Theft, Scams and Fraud

South Adams Savings Bank takes the security and privacy of our customer information seriously.  To that end, on these pages are some tips for protecting your personal information.  Taking just a few easy precautions can help protect your financial and personal information against identity theft. Education and awareness are great first steps.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

South Adams Savings Bank will never send you an e-mail message requesting any personal information.  If you receive an e-mail message requesting this information, it is a scam referred to as phishing.  Do not provide this information and notify us immediately!

South Adams Savings Bank will also never ask you for this information while conducting online banking or under any other circumstances through the internet.  If you receive a pop up message asking for any personal information while online it is a scam!  These scams can appear from malicious code that has been installed on your computer.  Do not provide this information and notify us immediately!  And remember, it is important that you update and run anti-virus protection software on a regular basis to help protect your computer against malicious code.

Always remember, you supplied us with all necessary information at account opening and there is never a need for us to request it again. 

Look For These Warning Signs:

• The e-mail message will urge you to act “quickly” or your account will be closed

• The wording may be sloppy and contain errors and misspellings

• Personal information is requested – such as user names and passwords, debit card numbers and PINs, social security numbers, mother’s maiden name, etc. (Remember, we already have your account information and should not have your passwords, PINs or other access codes!)

Consumers are encouraged to regularly review their credit reports. AnnualCreditReport.com offers consumers a fast and convenient way to request, view and print their credit reports in a secure Internet environment. 

Fake Check Scams

Identity Theft

You’ve probably heard of it. You may even know someone who has become a victim of it. Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in the world, and unfortunately almost anyone can be vulnerable. But by taking steps to manage your personal information wisely and with timely awareness, you can minimize the risk of it happening to you. 

Click here for more information on how to protect yourself

Phishing Scams

This term is used to describe a scam whereby an email is sent to someone with the representation that it is from a legitimate establishment, but the true intent is to gather personal information of that person with the intent to perpetrate fraud.

Click here for more information on how to not to get hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam

Credit Card Fraud

Information protection starts in your wallet and your mailbox. Fraud due to lost or stolen credit cards or mail fraud occurs more frequently than through online theft. But there are many easy ways to lower your risk of this happening to you.

Click here for a list of 21 ways to prevent Credit Card Fraud

Public Advisory - Counterfeit Checks and Money Orders

Money Management Tips for College Students

from the Massachusetts Bankers Association