North Shore Bank’s CrimeBusters for January 2023 are: cash flow coordinator Denise Dionisio, customer care rep Dawn Foster, debit card/ATM processing specialist Kelly LaBonte, senior checking services rep Renee Machado, McHenry area manager Dee Patel, Kenosha South universal banker Kim Roberts, and senior customer assistance rep Lori Zaleski.

Security Saves: This Month’s Highlights
A man called posing to be our customer and was looking to get account balance information. The caller was able to verify the customer’s account number, date of birth, name, and address. But he was unable to verify the last four digits of the customer’s Social Security number and other out-of-pocket verification questions. Our CrimeBusters notified Security about the suspicious call. Security was able to speak with the joint owner of the account, who confirmed that her husband was not calling North Shore Bank. Security was able to uncover that the fraudster knew some of our customer’s identifying information because the customer had a check stolen out of the mail.

Security says: As many of you have seen and heard on the news lately, mail theft is a growing epidemic across the nation. Mail thieves will target mail drops in quiet residential areas or even in front of the local post office or police station. Thieves look for personal and business checks that can be counterfeited or check-washed to then deposit.

Technology today means bill payments, birthday money and other cash gifts, and charitable donations can all be sent safely and securely online. For customers who still prefer to use checks, suggest that they sign up for Online Banking and alerts as a way to keep a closer eye on their account. And here are some helpful tips to keep in mind and to pass along to customers to protect them from mail theft:

• Pick up mail promptly. Try not to leave letters or packages in your mailbox or at your door for long periods of time.
• Deposit mail close to pickup time. Try to drop mail in the box just before the scheduled pickup time. And whenever possible, take your mail inside the post office for drop off.
• Inquire about overdue mail. If a check, credit card, or other valuable mail that you’re expecting seems to be late, contact the sender right away.
• Don’t send cash.
• Use electronic payment methods — such as ACH or Bill Pay — to pay bills.
• Arrange prompt pickup. If you are expecting a package, see if a neighbor can grab it so it is not sitting out all day.
• Use Hold for Pickup. When possible, have the postal or delivery service keep valuable packages for you to pick up, so you can ensure they stay safe. (This is also a smart option when you will be out of town for an extended period.)
• Request signature confirmation. When sending something important, consider using Signature Confirmation for the intended recipient.
• Monitor your accounts via Online Banking or Mobile Banking.

Find more useful information on these sites:

AARP: Tips to avoid mail theft and check fraud
CNBC: Criminals use Telegram to recruit ‘walkers’ as America’s big banks see an 84% increase in check fraud
U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Mail theft

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.