Safety & Fraud Prevention
NOTE: Bank of Labor will never reach out to you asking for personal information. If you receive any suspicious communication (text, phone, email, or social media), please do not click on any links and contact us immediately at 913.321.4242.
Don’t Get Wrapped Up in a Holiday Shopping Scam.
The holidays are a time for joy, giving, and unfortunately, for scammers looking to take advantage of busy shoppers. With deals flying and inboxes full, it’s easy to fall for offers that seem too good to be true. Holiday shopping scams can sneak in like the Grinch, stealing your cheer and your personal information. Stay one step ahead by learning how to spot the signs and protect yourself with these tips from the Consumer Federal Trade Commission.
Don’t let scammers get in the way of your holiday shopping | Consumer Advice
Scammers Want to Cash in on Your Kindness.
Scammers know that generosity runs high on Giving Tuesday, and they’re ready to cash in. With phony charities and look-alike websites, they can turn your good deed into their payday. Before you give, take a minute to verify the organization and protect your personal information. The IRS helps you learn how to spot and avoid fake charities.
Mail Fraud Can Be A Real Horror.
Scammers can be scary, but spotting mail fraud doesn’t have to be. From fake sweepstakes to phony bills and misleading offers, fraudsters use the mail to trick recipients into giving up personal information or money. Learn how to recognize the warning signs, like suspicious envelopes, mail that pressures you to act quickly or send payment, or unexpected packages and check out these tips from the United State Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to uncover the tricks scammers use and how to treat your mail with care.
Double Check Before You Double Tap.
Scammers are getting social by using fake crypto wins and flashy investment tips to lure you in. Social media is full of traps designed to steal your money. Before you invest based on a post or comment, take a step back and do your research. The SEC has tips to help you spot the red flags and protect your wallet.
Fake Checks,
Real Consequences.
Scammers are getting smarter – but so are you. Before you snap and deposit, know the signs of check fraud with these tips from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
Forgive and Forget the Fees.
If someone’s asking you to pay for student loan forgiveness, it’s time to walk away. Scammers are posing as legit helpers, promising quick fixes and secret programs for a price. Real loan forgiveness won’t cost you a penny. Don’t let fraudsters turn your relief into regret.
How To Avoid Student Loan Forgiveness Scams | Federal Student Aid
Let’s Be Real About Elder Fraud.
Scammers may use clever tactics to trick seniors into giving away money or their personal information, but we’re not falling for it. Elder fraud is on the rise and it’s time to get serious about spotting the warning signs and keeping seniors protected. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has a list of the most frequently used scam tactics and what you can do if you suspect that you or someone you know may be a victim of elder fraud.
Skimmers Never Take a Vacation.
Nothing ruins a getaway faster than realizing a scammer hit your wallet before you even hit the beach. From tampered ATMs to sneaky card skimmers at gas stations, fraudsters know how to turn your vacation spending into their payday. Before you swipe or insert your card, make sure you’re taking steps to outsmart the skimmers. AARP has key tips to help you keep your trip stress-free and scam-free.
Don’t Let Credit Card Fraud Trip You Up.
Credit card fraud can feel like an unexpected hurdle in your financial journey, but with the right steps, you can avoid the fall. The Office of Comptroller Currency (OCC) has several tips to help you identify credit card fraud schemes so that you can move forward without a stumble.
Tax Time is Prime Time for Scams.
At this time of the year, accountants aren’t the only ones working hard during tax filing season. From phishing emails to fake IRS phone calls, scammers are pulling every trick in the book to snatch your refund and more. The Federal Communications Commission has curated a list of tactics to look out for this season and what you can do to protect yourself from fraudsters.
Tax Season Scams and Taxpayer ID Theft
| Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
There’s Plenty of Romance Scammers
in the Sea
Taking a dip in the online dating pool can occasionally put you at risk of becoming a victim of romance scams. Romance Scammers, also known as sweetheart scammers, swindle unsuspecting victims out of their money with various tactics that can imitate a romantic relationship. Learn how to spot these scammers with these tips from the National Cybersecurity Alliance and avoid getting caught in their net.
Online Dating and Romance Scams – National Cybersecurity Alliance
Don’t Let Debt ‘Relief’ Turn into Debt Grief.
Scammers thrive on financial stress, preying on those looking for quick fixes to mounting debt. They’ll promise instant relief but deliver nothing but headaches and empty bank accounts. The FTC has the guide to help you separate real solutions from fake promises.
Protect yourself from debt relief scams | Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
‘Tis the Season to
Spot Scams
Scammers are making their list and checking it twice, hoping to catch holiday shoppers off guard. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has tips to keeping your holiday shopping safe.
Is it Giving Tuesday or Giving Scam?
Giving Tuesday is all about helping others, but scammers are out to help themselves. Before you give, make sure you’re funding a cause, not a con. The IRS has some tips to keep your generous spirit safe from these sneaky schemes. Giving Tuesday reminder that scammers can use fake charities to get sensitive information | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)International Fraud Awareness Week
November is gratitude month, and we couldn’t be more grateful for our incredible customers. To show our thanks, we’re sharing valuable resources from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) during International Fraud Awareness Week to empower you to protect what matters most. From spotting red flags to staying a step ahead of fraud, we’re sharing practical tools to keep you informed and secure. Staying informed and proactive is the best way to prevent fraud, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Resources for Personal Finances
Generative AI and its Role in Fraud Examination
Seniors Can Be Fraud-Fighting, Scam-Busting Superheroes, Too
Resources for Businesses and Organizations
Signed, Sealed,
Don’t get Swindled
From fake sweepstakes to shady donation requests, mail fraud can sneak its way into your life before you know it. The USPS offers handy tips to keep fraud from making a special delivery to you.
Scroll Past Social Media Scams.
Far too often, stories from consumers have emerged about false advertisements on social media that have duped them out of their money. These ads frequently feature a product that either arrives looking nothing like what was pictured, or even worse, doesn’t arrive at all. Learn how to identify and avoid the allure of these social media scams with these resources provided by the Federal Trade Commission.
Social media: a golden goose for scammers | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)
Keep Your Account in Check
Mobile deposit is a convenient tool that allows you to access your funds without stepping foot into a bank branch. Scammers, however, have also made it a convenient tool to cash-in on your trust and money. Learn the ins and outs of mobile check deposit scams by checking out these tips from the Federal Trade Commission.
How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov)
Safe Snapshot for
Back-to-School.
The first day of school is right around the corner, and for many, that means first day of school photo ops. These back-to-school photos often feature a sign held by the child stating some basic information such as their name, school or grade. Although this may seem like a fun photo to share with your friends and family on social media, you may want to think twice before you hit post.
Scammers and other dangerous individuals could utilize the information freely provided based on just one photo. The Better Business Bureau has curated several tips to help you to protect your child and their privacy so that you can still commemorate the big day in a safer way.
Be safe when sharing back to school photos of your kids | BBB®
Safeguard Seniors from
Elder Fraud.
Every year, countless seniors face the threat of financial exploitation. According to the United States Department of Justice, from June 2022 to June 2023, 2.4 million seniors fell victim to 650 perpetrators who collectively stole more than $1.5 billion. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has curated numerous resources aimed at protecting seniors from the various elder fraud schemes utilized by scammers to deprive them of their finances, trust, and peace of mind:
Steer Clear of Driver’s License Fraud.
To scammers, unlawfully obtaining a driver’s license is akin to winning the lottery. Given the wealth of personal information contained on a driver’s license, it’s hardly surprising that that these fraudsters have devised numerous methods to pilfer and exploit them. Don’t unwittingly give scammers the greenlight to steal your information. AARP has several tips to help you protect or recover from identity theft.
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/drivers-license-theft.html
Decline Credit Card Interest Rate Scams.
If it sounds too good to be true, often times it is. Reducing your credit card interest rate is no exception. Some “debt-relief” companies may try to lure you with the promise of reducing your credit card’s interest rate for a fee, but you don’t have to fall for their trap. The Federal Trade Commission, FTC, has provided guidance on avoiding these fraudulent companies and how to reduce credit card debt on your own. Avoiding Scams To Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)Don’t Write Off These Tax Scams!
The Dirty Dozen Tax Scam list published by the IRS is a good resource to help you stay aware of current cons and avoid being targeted at tax time:
The IRS doesn’t send tax refunds by email or text | Internal Revenue Service
National Consumer Protection Week.
Keep your finances and personal info safe from fraud, identity theft and other scams with resources and tips from the Federal Trade Commission during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) — March 3 – 9, 2024 — and any time of the year. NCPW is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups, and financial institutions work together to share information about consumer rights and help people learn to spot, report, and avoid scams. Visit ftc.gov/ncpw to learn how to learn how to get free consumer fraud prevention advice in a dozen languages — and read the latest from consumer protection experts.Fun Flirt or
Creepy Con Artist?
According to The Federal Trade Commission, nearly 70,000 people reported being targets of a romance scam in 2022 and associated losses reached close to $1.5 billion. FTC has charted out the top lies used by romance scammers last year and their most commonly requested payment methods:
Romance scammers’ favorite lies exposed | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)
Money Transfer Scams on the Rise.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently released an alert and three tips to help consumers avoid an increasingly popular Money Transfer phone scam:
Did Someone Tell You to Move or Transfer Your Money? It Could be a Scam
Hang Up on AI Voice Scams
Scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to clone voices of loved ones in order to dupe family members into sending money. Yahoo Finance offers helpful tips on how to handle those calls.
AI ‘supercharges’ voice scams, making it easier for Americans to fall prey | Yahoo Finance
Don’t get trapped in a gift card scam.
Everybody loves holiday gift cards – including scam artists. The Federal Trade Commission offers tips on how to spot and avoid gift card fraud.
Holiday Travels or Travails?
Looking forward to traveling over Thanksgiving to visit family and friends? Don’t let online thieves trick you out of plane tickets and other holiday travel purchases.
Stamp Out Mail Fraud.
Between October 2022 and March 2023, the US Postal Service (USPS) saw mail theft incidents jump by approximately 25% over a similar time period in the prior year. Over those six months, more than 300 mail carriers were robbed and there were 25,000 reported cases of mail theft. To learn more about the different types of mail fraud and to get tips to help you keep your mail safe, visit:
Mail Fraud – United States Postal Inspection Service (uspis.gov)
Do Yourself A Favor:
Avoid Social Media Scams
AARP’s® Fraud Watch Network shares 5 tips to avoid the ‘Do me a favor…’ messaging scams and other social media fraud:
Do Me A Favor’ Social Media Scam Hijacks Instagram Account | (aarp.org)
Child ID Theft is Nothing to Kid About.
Child ID theft is no joke. Learn about the four signs of child ID theft and tips on how to keep the personal information of your youngest family members safe.
How To Protect Your Child From Identity Theft | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov)
The ABCs of School Safety
Scholastic® and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) share six quick tips to help families prepare for a safe and happy start to the school year:
To Help Reduce Elder Fraud, Pass Along Pass It On
Have you heard about Pass It On, a program created by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that encourages family, friends and caregivers to share elder fraud alerts and tips with older adults? Pass It On offers numerous resources on Elder Fraud issues including ID Theft, Tech Fraud, Romance Scams, Grandkid Schemes, Investment Fraud and more:
Contact Us
Need to reach us? Please contact us at the number below and our team will gladly assist you. If you would like to open an account or speak to a personal banker visit us at any of our locations located in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area.
Telephone
+1 913 321 4242
Address
6301 Glenwood Street
3rd Floor
Overland Park, KS 66202