Scamming is all around us and it is on the rise. Protect yourself by remaining alert and suspicious of e-mails, texts, calls or other forms of communication from people and organizations you do not know. This is especially true if they are asking for money or personal information. It is important to be alert while also understanding you are not alone.
Stay abreast of the latest scams, and get advice to help you avoid, report, and recover from them. Visit the Federal Trade Commission's consumer advice page for a wealth of information.
Identity theft can happen to anyone — and it often starts in small, easily overlooked ways. From weak passwords to deceptive messages, criminals are constantly finding new ways to access personal and financial information.
During Identity Theft Awareness Week, The Bank of Bennington is sharing practical, easy-to-follow steps you can take to reduce your risk and protect what matters most. A few small habits can make a big difference in keeping your identity and accounts secure.
Below are some of the most effective ways to stay one step ahead.
Your personal and financial details are valuable — and they should always be treated that way.
Never share:
Legitimate banks and businesses will not ask for sensitive information through email, text messages, or unsolicited phone calls. If you receive a request that feels unusual, stop and verify it using a trusted phone number or official website.
Tip: When in doubt, don’t click — contact the company directly.
Weak or reused passwords are one of the most common ways identity theft occurs.
To improve your protection:
If one account is compromised, reused passwords can allow criminals to access multiple accounts quickly.
Tip: Consider using a reputable password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords securely.
Identity theft often begins with small, unnoticed transactions. Catching issues early can help stop fraud before it becomes a larger problem.
Make it a habit to:
The sooner suspicious activity is detected, the easier it is to limit potential damage.
Tip: Even a $1 charge can be a test transaction used by fraudsters.
Scammers are increasingly sophisticated and may pose as trusted businesses, delivery companies, or even financial institutions.
Be especially cautious of:
These tactics are commonly used in phishing and smishing scams designed to steal your information.
Tip: Don’t click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s official website or app instead.
Extra layers of security can make a major difference in detecting and stopping fraud quickly.
Consider enabling:
These real-time alerts can help you take action immediately if something doesn’t look right.
Tip: Quick response is one of the most effective ways to limit fraud-related losses.
Vishing (voice phishing) and smishing (SMS phishing) are tactics used by fraudsters to impersonate trusted organizations via phone calls or text messages. Their goal is to build a rapport with victims and manipulate them into revealing sensitive personal or financial information. Criminals may use text messaging or various messaging apps, such as WeChat, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. They may also use technologies like Voice over IP (VoIP) and Caller ID spoofing to disguise their identity, making calls or messages appear as if they originate from legitimate sources—even mimicking local numbers.
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts from unknown numbers.
• Verify suspicious contacts by calling the official number listed on the organization’s website.
• Avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages.
• Direct any inquiries about orders or deliveries to the contact information provided on official websites or confirmation emails.
• Never share one-time passcodes unless a transaction is personally initiated.
• Be skeptical of urgent or emotionally charged calls, especially those claiming a family emergency – AI-generated voices can mimic loved ones.
• Recognize that fraudsters often use fear and urgency to manipulate victims.
To minimize fraud risk during the holiday season, your cardholders should:
• Shop Securely: Use only trusted websites. Avoid entering payment details on unfamiliar or suspicious sites.
• Use Secure Networks: Always shop online using a secure Wi-Fi connection or VPN.
• Avoid Skimming Devices: Prioritize chip or contactless payments. If a terminal forces a swipe, it may be compromised.
• Limit Personal Information Sharing: Avoid oversharing online, as personal details can be used to guess security questions.
• Verify Deals: Be cautious of “too good to be true” offers via email or SMS. Confirm promotions directly with the retailer.
• Monitor Financial Activity: Regularly review account statements and credit reports. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service.
Access your credit reports or freeze them at: www.equifax.com, www.experian.com or www.transunion.com.
• Update Contact Information: Ensure your financial institution has your current contact details and respond promptly to fraud alerts.
• Protect Physical Mail: Monitor your mailbox and shred sensitive documents, including pre-approved credit offers.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Employ different secure passwords for financial accounts, social media, and mobile devices.
We’re frequently asked how to stop unwanted solicitations from mortgage lenders, credit card companies, and other credit providers. The most effective way to reduce or eliminate these offers is to opt out using the following resources:
Mail solicitations: Visit OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-567-8688
Phone solicitations:
Visit DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. Be sure to register all active phone numbers, including home and cell. Please note that some exceptions apply. Companies you currently do business with, as well as certain nonprofit organizations (such as religious, political, or community-based groups seeking donations), are exempt from these restrictions. To stop solicitations from these organizations, you’ll need to contact them directly.
For additional help, you can also reach out to the
Association of National Advertisers (ANA)
at DMAchoice.org.
