Fraud Center
Working to keep you, your personal information, and your money safe.
We understand that security is incredibly important, and at Peninsula we take a serious, proactive approach. We’ve implemented several layers of security in order to effectively safeguard your financial assets and personal account information. Below you’ll find active fraud alerts we’re monitoring, as well as tips and best practices you can follow to help secure yourself against fraud and scams.
Fraud Alerts
Unemployment Fraud 1099-G Tax Forms
If you receive an incorrect Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits you did not receive you should contact the issuing state agency. With unemployment fraud that happened in 2020, be on the lookout. To learn more, check out this IRS news release.
Twitter Scam with Virtual Currency
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is emphasizing a high-profile scam exploiting Twitter accounts to solicit fraudulent payments denominated in convertible virtual currency (CVC). Cyber threat actors compromised the accounts of public figures, organizations, and financial institutions to solicit payments to CVC accounts, claiming that any CVC sent to a wallet address would be doubled and returned to the sender. It is critical that CVC exchanges and other financial institutions identify and report suspicious transactions associated with this type of activity as quickly as possible.
Read the alert here.
Heartless cyber scanners do not discriminate, in fact the spread of the Coronavirus has given cyber scammers a priceless opportunity to con innocent people.
Please continue to take the following precautions :
-
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments
- Use trusted sources—such as legitimate government websites for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.
- Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.
Gift Card Fraud is on the rise again
Has someone asked you to go get a gift card to pay for something? Lots of people have told us they’ve been asked to pay with gift cards – by a caller claiming to be with the IRS, or tech support, or a so-called family member in need. If you’ve gotten a call like this, you know that the caller will then demand the gift card numbers and PIN. And, poof, your money is gone.
Card Skimmers at the pumps
Skimmers are illegal card readers attached to payment terminals — like gas pumps — that grab data off a credit or debit card’s magnetic stripe without your knowledge. Criminals sell the stolen data or use it to buy things online. You won’t know your information has been stolen until you get your statement or an overdraft notice.
Skimmers are nothing new, but technology has made them smaller and harder to find. Sometimes, they’re even hidden inside a gas pump.
Security Tips
It’s more important than ever to be alert and informed.
When it comes to protecting your money, identity, and personal information, knowledge is power. Here are some tips to help you prevent fraud and keep yourself safe.
Create strong passwords
Store them securely and change them periodically. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. A password storage app can help to keep passwords organized and safe.
Don’t share personal info with sources you don’t trust.
Especially with website pop-ups. Don’t click on links in emails that ask for your personal information.
Shred paper documents
Shred anything that contains your name, account numbers, and other sensitive information before you dispose of it.
Be cautious and aware
Don’t visit suspicious websites or follow links you don’t trust. Scam emails can look similar to legitimate emails, so review them carefully.
Download files and attachments with caution
Never open unexpected attachments, and only download files from trusted sources.
Secure your home computer
Use a firewall to protect your computer, and encrypt your home wifi network with a secure password. Also, back up your files regularly.
FAQs and Tips
Fraud and Security FAQs
Quick Tip
Smart tips to help you protect your cards
Keep your debit and credit cards in a safe place. Choose a unique and hard-to-guess PIN number, and never write it down. If you ever lose a card, report the loss or theft to us immediately.