CRIMEBUSTERS

Vigilant CrimeBusters protect customers from Bitcoin ATM scam

Four of our CrimeBusters in April and May did a wonderful job stopping our customers from falling victim to a PC hack scam. These customers came into the branch wanting to withdraw a large amount of cash that day. The customers said they were either buying a vehicle from a private seller or paying for home repairs.

When asked if they could take a cashier’s check instead, the customers insisted on cash. This was a red flag, and more questioning followed. After a deeper conversation and, in some cases, a call to Security for assistance, it was uncovered that they were victims of a scam.

When customers come in looking for a large amount of cash, it can be hard to tell them that you are unable to fulfill that request. It is vital to ask questions and understand the urgency around why the customer must get this cash in hand immediately.

Here’s how this scam works. The scammers tell the customer that their accounts are compromised and they need to get their money out of the bank before it’s gone. They are told that depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM is the only way to keep it safe. The scammer then sends the victim a QR code with the scammer’s information embedded in it. Once the victim deposits the cash into the Bitcoin ATM and confirms the transaction, the funds are transferred to the fraudster’s digital wallet. It’s that easy.

The fraudster will try to keep the victim on the phone the whole time to prevent anyone from intervening. Some of you might wonder whether the transaction can be stopped or reversed. Unfortunately, no. Once that transaction is sent, the money is essentially gone.

How to protect our customers

As we know, not all wire transfers or Bitcoin purchases are fraud. So, how do we protect our customers from falling victim to a scam? Know your customer. If a customer comes in to withdraw a larger amount of cash, here are a few steps to take:

• Review their transaction history and see if this is typical behavior.
• Was the money transferred from a savings or line of credit? This may be an indication they are involved in a PC hack.
• Make conversation with them and ask questions. Does the customer seem nervous or rushed? Is there a sense of urgency?
• Talk with your customer about scams that are going on and explain that’s why we ask questions. We want to make sure we protect our customers and their hard-earned money.

Below are some articles about the rising crypto scams, how they can happen, and how to protect yourself.

Did someone send you to a Bitcoin ATM? It’s a scam | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov)
Scammers Use Crypto ATMS to Steal Money From Victims | AARP (aarp.org)

Congratulations to our CrimeBusters for April and May!

• Tara Neuville
• Sharon Hack,
• Leigha Johnston
• Hali Thompson
• Megan Kubichek
• Mel Langrick
• Wanda Pillizzi
• Renee Machado
• Erica Johnson
• MaryRose Balzer
• Kim Konieczny
• Danielle Hansen

 

COMMUNITY-MINDED

Bank employees take part in Milwaukee’s Juneteenth celebration

Angela Byrd, AVP, Martin Luther King Drive branch manager, MLK branch Lead Teller Lisa Allgood-Beal, Nazirah Tate, personal banker at Milwaukee Capitol, and Senior Contact Center Representative Dawn Foster from Brookfield enjoyed a great day at the Juneteenth celebration on June 19.

The team distributed water bottles and tote bags, along with other small giveaways. Angela said the team had great conversations introducing North Shore Bank to potential new customers. More than 115 individuals signed up for additional information from the bank and plan to visit our MLK branch. This event was a great way to connect with the community!

 

BANK ON KINDNESS

Pulaski branch helps students learn the power of kindness, giving back

Following the recent Bank on Kindness™ kickoff in Pulaski, the branch hosted an event to continue spreading kindness within the community and to help support those in need. Last week, the bank supplied a group of local students with $500, and the students were given the unique and rewarding task of shopping for items to be donated to the Community Pantry of Pulaski. This initiative helped provide essential supplies for the food pantry and instilled a sense of responsibility and community service among the students.

Armed with shopping carts and grocery lists, the students walked the aisles of Super Ron’s grocery store, carefully selecting a variety of non-perishable food items, including pasta, peanut butter, and cereal. They even got to pick out some of their favorite food items to donate. 02792 The experience was educational and rewarding for the students, as they learned how their efforts to give back positively impact their neighbors.

After the shopping trip, North Shore Bank employees helped unload and stock the items at the pantry.

“We were so excited to organize this event and look forward to continuing to spread kindness all summer long,” Katie Longsine, AVP, community engagement manager, said.

The Pulaski News covered the event, too. Way to go, Pulaski branch!

 

 

AROUND THE BANK

North managers enjoy training session, birthday celebration

The North managers met offsite with Training Specialist Ryan Melcarek on June 25. Ryan’s topic was Supporting SOAR Conversations at the teller line.

The training reviewed what is covered in ERC training and provided great insight into how we can support our front line in having needs-based conversations with our customers. Everyone had a fun and productive day.

In addition to the training, Kerri also had a birthday, and the North managers made it special with a crown, sash, gifts, and a homemade cheesecake by Sharon Hack’s husband. Yum!

 

SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

Service anniversaries for July 2024

The following employees celebrate a milestone anniversary with North Shore Bank this month. Congratulations to all!

35 years
Joline Lazarski, Southwest Branch Manager

25 years
Jay McKenna, President & CEO

10 years
Stevie Nemetz, Ashwaubenon Assistant Branch Manager

5 years
Angela Byrd, Martin Luther King Drive Branch Manager

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Discover events and activities in and around your community

• Music at the Pavilion in Germantown| Thursday, June 6 to Thursday, August 15| Gehl’s Performing Arts Pavilion, Firemen’s Park, Germantown, WI
• Family Fun Carnival in Germantown | Thursday, July 25 (5 PM) | Firemen’s Park | W162 N11870 Park Avenue | Germantown, WI

Shorelines wants to share news about YOU!

Just a reminder that we’re always looking for fun and exciting things to share in Shorelines.  Whether it’s a special event at your branch or a shout-out to one of your coworkers, a great trip you went on with family or friends, information about a half-marathon you’re running, or even just a fantastic photo you took over the weekend, we’d love to share it! Please email shorelines@northshorebank.com to have your news included in a future issue.