Hang Up On Fraud

In addition to the variety of 'modern' scam practices that appeared with the popularity of the Internet, incidence of fraud continues to rise through very traditional vehicles, as well. Telemarketing fraud is a crime which continues to grow and continues to successfully separate unsuspecting victims from millions of dollars each year.

Don't fall for a phony pitch. Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank encourages you to hang up immediately if a caller:

• Wants money for a prize you are told you won.
• Asks for your credit card or bank account number.
• Offers, for a fee, to recover money previously lost.
• Makes you feel uncomfortable with quick talking and promises.
• Insists you make an immediate decision.
• Offers to send a courier to take your check.
• Keeps talking after you say "no".

If you are not sure if the call is from a swindler, ask the caller for a mailing address, web address, and phone number where you can reach them at a later time. A legitimate business person will not hesitate to share this information with you. Once you have it, there are a number of steps you can take before making a decision to do business with the caller: review their company's products and services at their business website; confirm the company's record and business practices with the Better Business Bureau online at www.bbb.org - or call the National Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060. If the caller won't provide the information you request, simply hang up.

To Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank customers - if you think you may be a victim of telemarketing fraud, contact us and let us take steps to protect your accounts and your identity.