Don’t be Caught in a Vishing Scam

The latest scam being used on consumers is called “vishing”. Like phishing, this is a scam criminals use to get your personal information in order to drain money from your bank accounts.  According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website, the scam usually happens in one of these two scenarios:

• In one version, you get the typical e-mail, like a traditional phishing scam. But instead of being directed to an Internet site, you’re asked to provide the information over the phone and given a number to call. Those who call the “customer service” number (a VoIP account, not a real financial institution) are led through a series of voice-prompted menus that ask for account numbers, passwords, and other critical information.

• In another version you’re contacted over the phone instead of by e-mail. The call could either be a “live” person or a recorded message directing you to take action to protect your account. Often, the criminal already has some personal information on you, including your account or credit card numbers. That can create a false sense of security. The call came from a VoIP account as well.

We will not contact you and ask for your bank account numbers or your PIN. We will not ask you to call a number outside of Davenport to give you us information. We will not ask you to go through an automated system to enter account numbers.

If you are ever in doubt, even if your Caller ID shows our bank name, hang up and call us back. Don’t risk being scammed.

Transaction Account Guarantee Program

Northwest Bank & Trust Company is participating in the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program. Under that program, through June 30, 2010, all non-interest-bearing transaction accounts are fully guaranteed by the FDIC for the entire amount in the account. Coverage under the Transaction Account Guarantee Program is in addition to and separate from the coverage available under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules.