!!ATTENTION!!
A new scam has been circling our area. The scam involves someone calling and claiming to be from one of our branches, so far specifically the Binford branch. (The caller ID has been manipulated to look like the call is actually coming from Farmers & Merchants in Binford.) They are claiming to help with fraud on accounts, say they will help you get a new account, and transfer your funds to the new account. Please do not give out any information or initiate transfers for anyone with these claims. If you are concerned about fraud on your account, please call one of our actual branches. FMBND would NEVER call and have you login or give us your online banking login information in order to transfer your funds. Please be diligent about never sharing your login information or authentication codes with anyone!
To find out the value of your paper savings bonds:
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/BC/SBCPrice
To find the value of your vehicle:
https://www.nada.com
To check your free annual credit report:
www.annualcreditreport.com
If you feel you may have been the victim of a scam:
ND Attorney General Fraud Department 1-800-472-2600
To sign up and receive consumer alerts (fraud, etc.) from the Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov
To check the North Dakota road conditions:
https://dot.nd.gov/travel-info-v2
To find phone numbers & contacts for your local FSA office:
https://www.fsa.usda.gov
To check to see if your deposits are covered by FDIC insurance:
https://edie.fdic.gov
To view your credit card statement:
https://www.mycardstatement.com/#
To sign up and receive alerts on your FMBND VISA card: https://purchasealerts.visa.com
Romance Scams
The most basic ways romance scammers operate:
They develop an online relationship with someone but never meet in person.
Over time, they convince their so-called partner to send them money, buy them gifts, or invest in their business.
They may offer gifts – but ultimately, they will always take far more than they give.
Look Out 👀 for this New Package Delivery Scam
In a new spin on the package delivery scheme, scammers are no longer posing as mail carriers. Instead, they’re impersonating US Customs and Border Protection, claiming to have intercepted a package addressed to the victim.
Even if they sound official or make threats, don’t let these scammers fool you. The person contacting you is simply impersonating an agent in an attempt to gain access to your personal information and bank accounts.
How the Scam Works
Consumers have reported two versions of this scheme to BBB Scam Tracker.
The suspicious package scheme: You receive a call, email or text saying that US Customs and Border Patrol has intercepted a suspicious package addressed to you. You’re instructed to respond immediately or a warrant will be issued for your arrest. When you reach out, you learn they seized the package because it contained drugs, weapons, cash, or other contraband. The “officer” asks for your personal information in order to “verify your identity,” but it’s just a ruse to steal your identity.
The sweepstakes scheme: In another version of this scam, you’re contacted by someone claiming to be associated with US Customs and Border Protection. This time, they don’t threaten you with arrest. Instead, they claim to have intercepted a package containing a massive sweepstakes prize. To receive your winnings, you need to pay a huge fee for special shipping labels.
For More Information
US Customs and Border Protection issued a public warning about this scam.
Links on Cyber Education:
https://sbscyber.com/resources/cyber-hygiene-improving-health-and-online-security