North Shore Bank’s CrimeBusters for February 2023 are: Shorewood teller supervisor David Holada, debit card/ATM processing specialist Kelly LaBonte, senior checking services rep Renee Machado, and Cudahy teller Jody Perron.

Security Saves: This Month’s Highlights
A customer received a $2,500 check from someone on Instagram. She had recently posted some art she hoped to sell and received a message from a prospective buyer. The “buyer” emailed her the check, which was for more than her asking price. The customer thought the whole situation was odd, looking back at it all, and appreciated North Shore Bank keeping her account safe.

Security says: All the different social media platforms today — such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok — allow us to connect with people all over the globe. Many influencers and others use these platforms to share content, attract followers, and make money. But for others, these sites and apps have led to financial heartache.

We are seeing more cases in which a customer receives a private message on social media from someone saying they want to buy the customer’s artwork or photos. The “buyer” then emails our customer a check, but the check is for too much. At that point, our customer is told they need to send gift cards to the “buyer” to repay the difference, or even send them money though Zelle. By the time the check is returned — which it usually is — the money is already gone. These checks are usually counterfeit, altered, or washed and made payable to the victim.

Find more useful information on these sites:

Fraud Prevention Unit: Instagram artist scams
PetaPixel: Photographer is scammed by ‘art buyer’ on Instagram

Remind your customers to be vigilant online, as we don’t always know who we are really talking to, and that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 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.