Cyber Security
When it comes to cyber security, US Metro Bank is committed to offering you updated information on cybercrime to help you take the necessary steps to protect your financial assets. Here is a helpful list of schemes, scams and frauds that it’s good to keep you in the know.
Phishing
It’s the attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details often for malicious reasons, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out by email, directing users to enter personal details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to a legitimate one, such as their bank. Please be informed that US Metro Bank will never send an email asking for personal information.
Vishing
It is the name for phishing attacks using the telephone. The term is a combination of voice and phishing, and is typically used to steal credit card numbers, bank account numbers and passwords. You might receive a phone call advising you that your credit card has been used illegally, and to call a certain number to “verify” your account number. Please do not provide information and contact us directly to verify the validity of the message.
Smishing
It is another variation of phishing, the name of combination of SMS (Short Message Service) or text messaging and phishing. In the scam, the fraudster uses cell phone text messages to lure you to website or perhaps to use a phone number that connects to an automated voice response system. US Metro Bank will not contact you by text message with a request of this nature.
Corporate Account Takeover
A type of fraud where thieves gain access to a business’ finances to make unauthorized transactions, including transferring funds from the company, creating and adding new fake employees to payroll, and stealing sensitive customer information that may not be recoverable.
Malware
Short for Malicious Software, it is software designed by criminals to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. It is a general term used to describe any kind of software or code specifically designed to exploit a computer, or the date it contains, without consent.
Links to Learn More
OnGuardOnline.gov provides tips to avoid scams, secure your computer, and protect kids online. The site also has a blog that is updated with recent fraud trends.
IDtheftinfo.org provides the latest news from Consumer Federation of America and other sources. It also provides an ID theft library with educational materials for consumers and businesses, a Privacy Information Website, and a victim resources guide.
Protecting your business from con artists who try to fool you into paying for office supplies, business directory listings, or internet services you haven’t ordered.
Consumer Federation of America
The Consumer Federation of America provides information to consumers through research, advocacy, and education. CFA also partners with financial institutions to help educate clients through advertising, readings, and other publications.
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
The OCC provides a consumer protection site to help educate consumers about the risks of identity theft, and also provides tips on how to guard themselves against it. Topics include online and electronic banking scams, identity theft, phishing scams, and safe internet banking.
Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Crime Complaint Center is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center. This site provides a place to file claims of victims of identity theft. It also houses sources of internet crime prevention and current schemes.
