North Shore Bank’s CrimeBusters for December 2022 are: Ashwaubenon universal banker Leigha Johnston, checking services rep Renee Machado, and senior customer assistance rep Lori Zaleski.

Security Saves: This Month’s Highlights
A “customer” came into the branch and wanted to cash a $3,700 check drawn off a business in the area. The banker saw the check was endorsed and had the customer’s full Social Security number written on the back. After pulling up the profile using that social, the banker saw that the customer lived outside of the area. After reviewing the ID, the banker felt that it looked strange and was uncomfortable proceeding. The banker declined the transaction, and the customer left on foot down the street. The banker alerted Security right away — and Security confirmed with the real customer that they had not been at the branch attempting to cash a check.

Security says: Here are some helpful clues when you’re on the lookout for fraudulent checks, so you too can be a CrimeBuster:

• Is the customer from the area? Typically, fraudsters will visit a branch the customer does not live near.
• Does the ID match what is on file in Nautilus?
• Does the presenter of the check have a protective mask on? If you do not know your customer, you should ask them to lower their mask for a video view.
• Does the ID look like the correct format? Remember, each branch has an ID guide that shows what a valid ID looks like. Also, look at the ID number to make sure it’s the same. Illinois and Wisconsin driver’s licenses can be similar. What state issued the ID, per Cleartouch?
• Is the customer’s full Social Security number written on the back of the check? This is a red flag.
• Did you see the customer park in our lot, or did they walk over from somewhere else? Fraudsters will often park at a nearby business and walk over, so that their vehicle isn’t caught by our cameras.

Messages on a customer or account profile in Cleartouch are always a good indicator to be vigilant when processing a transaction. Whether they pertain to the customer or to a joint account owner, it is important to see these messages as a sign to use caution, especially with customers you are not familiar with. Remember, if a customer has a Security Q&A or request to see ID on their profile, they are expecting us to verify the answer and their identity. When in doubt, Security Services is here to help.

As always, trust your instincts! If something feels off, contact Security immediately for guidance on how to proceed.

Started by former security officer Peggy Theisen in 2013, the CrimeBuster Awards recognize bank employees who identify security risks and take action to protect North Shore Bank and our customers.