Archived Consumer Alerts
2017-2021
'Tis the Season for Student Loan Scam Calls
December 15, 2021 - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reminds us that federal student loan repayments will begin after January 31, 2022. Be on alert for scammers that may call, text, or e-mail to try to use any confusion around restarting your student loan payments to steal your money and personal information.
Federal Trade Commission: Avoiding a Money Mule Scam
December 3, 2021 - Scammers are looking for people to help them move stolen money. They visit online dating, job search, and social media sites, create fake stories, and make up reasons to send you money. Then they tell you to send that money to someone else by using gift cards or wire transfers. But if you do that, you might be acting as what law enforcement calls a money mule.
Department of Banking: Warning to Investment Advisers Regarding Renewal Fee Scam E-mail
April 21, 2021 - The Department has received reports that some investment advisers have received an email impersonating Banking Department Manager Kevin Maher notifying them that their investment adviser renewal fees have increased. If you receive this e-mail, do not click on the link it contains, and delete it immediately.
IRS Warns University Students and Staff of Impersonation Email Scam
March 30, 2021 - The Internal Revenue Service warned of an IRS-impersonation scam that appears to primarily target educational institutions, including students and staff who have ".edu" email addresses. The suspect emails display the IRS logo and use various subject lines such as "Tax Refund Payment" or "Recalculation of your tax refund payment." It asks people to click a link and submit a form to claim their refund.
Connecticut Bank Uncovers Fraudulent Scheme
March 8, 2021 - Savings Bank of Danbury, located in Danbury, CT, has reported that counterfeit bank checks using the bank’s name are being presented for payment.
Fake Check Scams Targeting College Students
December 2, 2020 - The Federal Trade Commission reports that scammers are targeting college students with variations on fake check scams. Remember, if someone sends you a check and tells you to send a portion of that money back to them by wire transfer or gift card it is likely a scam.
Protect Yourself from Phony Debt Collection Calls
September 29, 2020 - Be leery if you receive a collection call on a debt you already paid, or that you know is not yours. Learn the steps to take to ensure you don't fall for a scam.
Be on Alert for Fake Check Scams and Your Small Business
September 18, 2020 - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reminds businesses to be leery when asked to send back the refund of an "overpayment" that was made by check. It is likely that check was fraudulent. Check out the FTC's tips to spot this all too common scam.
Important Updates Regarding Federal Student Loans
September 14, 2020 - Benefits for federal student loan borrowers under the the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act have been extended to December 31, 2020.
Watch out for Scams in between Stimulus Packages
August 11, 2020 - While Congress is finalizing another stimulus package, the Federal Trade Commission reminds us to be on the lookout for scammers who try to trick us into paying for such things as mortgage relief, job opportunities, or even stimulus checks.
Phony Email Claims to be FTC Offering You Money from a COVID-19 Fund
June 30, 2020 - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an alert regarding a new scam in the form of an e-mail claiming to be from the FTC that says you'll get money from a COVID-19 “Global Empowerment Fund” if you respond with your bank account information. But there is no money and there is no fund. A government entity will never contact you by e-mail, phone, text or social media and ask for financial information.
FTC Warns of Multi-level Marketing Companies Making False Claims
June 5, 2020 - The Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to six multi-level marketing companies (MLMs) that are telling people their products can treat or prevent COVID-19, or that they’re likely to make significant money if they join the MLM. The FTC says these claims violate truth-in-advertising laws and the MLMs must immediately stop their distributors from making these false claims.
FDIC Alert for Small Business Owners Applying for the Paycheck Protection Program
April 17, 2020 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is warning small businesses to be careful when applying for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses interested in the program should get all their information at U.S. Small Business Administration website, at sba.gov/coronavirus.
FDIC Reports Scammers Pretending to be from the FDIC
March 20, 2020 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received reports that scammers are using the FDIC name and logo, and even the names of actual employees, to send communications such as emails, phone calls, letters and text messages. The messages might ask you to “confirm” or “update” confidential personal financial information, such as bank account numbers.
Department of Banking Advises Consumers to Be Extra Cautious of Scammers During These Unusual Times
March 18, 2020 - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are reports that the government will soon be sending money by check or direct deposit to each of us. Be advised that the government will NOT ask us to pay upfront or pay fees to receive such funds. You will also not be asked to provide your Social Security number or any personal account information. Finally, these reports are not yet a reality, so don’t believe anyone who says they can get you the money now. The FTC is sharing this as a preventative measure, predicting that scammers will take advantage of this opportunity.
Signing Legal Documents in 2020
January 3, 2020 - The Department of Banking advises consumers not to abbreviate "2020" when signing and dating legal documents. This alert is based on information provided by the East Millinocket Police Department.
Department of Banking Shares Online Safety Tips for Teens from the Internal Revenue Service
December 5, 2019 - The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) provided helpful tips that adults can use to help teens and younger users stay safe online.
Connecticut Bank Uncovers Fraudulent Check Scheme
December 5, 2019 - Savings Bank of Danbury, located in Danbury, CT, has reported that counterfeit bank checks using the bank’s name are being presented for payment. Two separate incidences have been reported involving use of a fraudulent check.
New Haven Bank Discovers Fraudulent Check Scheme
September 23, 2019 - New Haven Bank, located in New Haven, CT, has reported that counterfeit bank checks using the bank’s name are being presented for payment.
Bank Customers Should Be Aware of Bogus Website that Claims to Be Affiliated with FDICConnect.gov
June 14, 2019 - Bank Customers Should Be Aware that FDIConnect.com Should NOT Be Confused with FDICconnect.gov. The FDIC is aware of the website FDIConnect.com, which advertises itself as a consumer-focused provider of FDIC pass-through insurance for bank deposits. The public should be advised that FDIConnect.com is not affiliated with the FDIC.
Connecticut Bank Uncovers Fraudulent Check Scheme
May 9, 2019 - Northwest Community Bank, located in Windsor, CT, has reported that counterfeit bank checks using the banks name and routing number are being presented for payment.
Connecticut State Marshal Impersonator Scam
April 25, 2019 - The Connecticut State Marshal Commission has received several reports from state marshals who have had their name, phone numbers and addresses used in an apparent money collection scam.
Social Security Administration Warns of Telephone Impersonation Scheme
March 20, 2019 - A popular telephone scam involves fraudulent phone calls from people falsely claiming to be from the Social Security Administration and displaying the national Social Security customer service number as the incoming number on the caller ID. The Social Security Administration launched a joint Public Service Announcement campaign addressing this nationwide telephone impersonation scheme at www.youtube.com/socialsecurity.
Do NOT Give Personal Information Over the Phone!
October 31, 2018 - As a reminder, your bank or financial institution will not call and ask you to verify your personal information. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers about this serious "spear phishing" scam.
SEC Warns of Government Impersonators
April 4, 2018 - The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning investors of fraudsters that claim to work for the SEC and pretend to help investors purchase stock or confirm trades in an attempt to trick investors into sending money or providing personal account information.
Jackpotting ATM Scam (video)
February 6, 2018 - NBC Connecticut News reported on the capture of two men involved in an ATM "jackpotting" scheme that compromised the bank machine and caused it to dispense cash on its own.
Flood Insurance Robocall Scam
August 31, 2017 - The Federal Trade Commission warned consumers about a flood insurance scam targeting those that have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Wire Transfer Scam
January 9, 2017 - Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez advised financial institutions and consumers to be vigilant when conducting Wire Transfers.