Peggy Theisen

Shorelines is honored to present the Peggy Theisen CrimeBuster Awards. Former security officer Peggy Theisen started the CrimeBuster Award program in 2013 to commend branch employees who identified security risks and took action to protect our customers and North Shore Bank. Now named for Peggy, who passed away in April 2021, the monthly awards will recognize bank employees who continue that work, exemplifying her positive spirit and commitment to safeguarding both customers and company. We will also highlight security saves from each month to make readers aware of new and ongoing trends in the world of frauds and scams, and to help you understand what to look out for.

Our CrimeBusters for August 2022 are: cash flow coordinator Denise Dionisio, Milwaukee Capitol teller supervisor Jacquetta Garner, debit card/ATM processing specialist Vince Hoch, checking services manager Erica Johnson, checking services rep Renee Machado, Forest Home assistant branch manager Zoran Saric, customer assistance rep Raquel Urbina, and Milwaukee Capitol branch manager Mike Williams.

Security Saves: This Month’s Highlights
WHEN A CUSTOMER said he wanted to wire $48,000 to purchase a home for his kids, the banker thought it was odd the money was going to a person instead of a title company. After calling Security for guidance, the banker asked more questions. The customer admitted his computer had been hacked, and that he’d been connected with the “North Shore Bank Fraud Department.” The money was supposedly going to be moved into a “safe account” when he sent the wire. The fraudster had instructed him to tell the bank it was for a home purchase.

Security says: It is always important to get as much info as you can about why a wire is being sent. Does the customer’s stated reason for sending money make sense? Does the recipient make sense for the purpose given? Does the customer seem confident about their answers or explanation? Is this type of transaction normal for them?

A CUSTOMER CAME into the branch and requested a withdrawal of $7,000 in cash. When the banker asked what the money was for, the customer said it was bail money for their son, who’d been in a car accident. The customer was going to send the cash to the son’s lawyer in Minnesota via UPS. The banker brought the customer into an office and called Security. Security explained the grandparent scam to the customer and suggested they call their son while at the branch. The customer agreed, and the banker was able to get in touch with the son — who was safe at work.

Security says: Remember, fraudsters can be very convincing and will use scare tactics as a way to get what they want. Ask the customer to speak with you privately in an office, where you can talk one-on-one before letting them leave with the cash. Find out if the customer has tried calling the family member to see if they are really in trouble. Ask them: Does it make sense to mail cash to a lawyer for bail money?

Here are some resources for both you and your customers about scams and how to protect yourself from them:

AARP: Scams & Fraud
Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Advice on Scams

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