Our CrimeBusters for September 2022 are: Muskego teller supervisor Melissa Grode, Wauwatosa teller supervisor Tyreese Hernandez, debit card and ATM processing specialist Vince Hoch, senior checking services rep Kim Konieczny, traveling universal banker DeDe Krause, checking services rep Renee Machado, and Brookfield Square personal banker Peg Siebauer.
Security Saves: This Month’s Highlights
A CUSTOMER CAME into the branch with a cashier’s check for $10,000, which he had taken out a few days prior. He said he needed to have the check issued to a different person. When the banker asked about this, he said the funds were going to someone in Missouri to pay the taxes on the customer’s supposed winnings from Publishers Clearing House. Security reviewed this type of scam with the customer and advised him to stop communicating with the individual in Missouri.
Security says: Pay attention to whether a customer seems confident about who a cashier’s check is going to. If they don’t, ask more questions. Is this a normal transaction for the customer? Does it make sense that they would have to pay money to get money? (Publishers Clearing House winners never have to pay to get their prizes.) And of course, one of the first questions to ask the customer: Did you enter the contest?
WHEN A CUSTOMER brought in a cashier’s check for $2,980 from another financial institution, the teller reviewed the check and the customer’s account history and had some concerns. When asked if he’d been expecting the check, the customer said it was for a car wrap. (Here’s the scam.) He was supposed to keep some of the money and give the rest to the installer.
Security says: Has the customer made large-dollar deposits like this one before? Does the cashier’s check look like others we’ve received before? Remember, Nautilus is a great research tool! Is there anything written on the memo line? Often, when you see info on the memo line — such as “Payment” or “Payment Approved” — that’s a red flag.
When people are experiencing financial hardship, they often look online for ways to make money. This can open the door for fraudsters to pose as legitimate companies, promising “extra income” for minimal work. Here are some resources with helpful tips about what to watch out for when looking for jobs or income opportunities online:
FTC: Income scams: big promises, big losses
BBB: Looking for a job? Be careful! Job scams increased during pandemic
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.