While the relief checks are starting to be sent out, the safety and security of our clients, their families, and their commercial interest is our main priority. Please remember that while you are working from the safety of your home, so are scammers. Before you receive your relief check, there is a good chance you could be contacted by a scammer.
3 Things the Government will NOT Ask For
Please remember the government will never ask you for the following information. They already know it. If someone calls or emails asking for verification of these numbers you can be sure it’s a scammer.
- Your Social Security Number
- Your Credit Card or Bank Account Number
- Your Date of Birth
Other Things to Remember
- There will be no fee for getting a check – be aware that anybody charging a fee for an advance or faster deposit is a scammer.
- Emails from the government end in .gov. Before taking action on an email, contact the agency directly. Go to the official website, checking for the .gov address for information and contact details. Never click on attachments or links in emails.
- Follow reputable news sources. Your local news and Oakworth Capital Bank will keep you updated on when and what to expect with your relief check.
The steps outlined below are designed to guide you through the actions to take if fraud occurs.
- Call Oakworth and go through recent activity
- Work with your client advisor to open a replacement account and close the compromised account as soon as possible
- Identify and transfer any auto drafts/payments from the compromised account to the new account and notify all vendors of new account information
- Monitor the compromised account during the transition period and utilize online and mobile platforms and alert options to keep track of all transactions
- Place a post no debits on the compromised account and have items decisioned manually
- Close account once all activity is posted to the new account
- Set up transaction alerts on the new account through your online banking profile
- Consider using Positive Pay on new account
- Review the guidelines shared in our Online Fraud Prevention article.
Legal Action and Dispute
- Contact local law enforcement and report the incident
- For cyber-crimes please visit www.IC3.gov to report the incident
- Keep any documents, images of checks, etc. that may be used as evidence
Knowing the proper steps to take once fraud has occurred will reduce the likelihood that it will happen again. For further information or if you have any questions please contact your Client Advisor.