Computer and Email Scams
PC Repair/Tech Support Scams
You receive a call or an email, or you click a link in an email that states your PC is infected or has a virus, and you’re told to call a telephone number or click another link. You are then told that in order to remove the virus, you either need to pay for more protection or you must allow remote access to your computer to run a test. (Legitimate tech companies will not contact you by phone, text, or email to notify you of a virus or unusual activity as they don’t have access to your PC. Legitimate anti-virus pop up warnings will never ask you to call a phone number to resolve an issue.)
Email/Phishing
Phishing
Most email scams involve “phishing” in which the e-mail notes an urgent need to either click on a link or visit a website in order to protect accounts, re-establish locked accounts, or to avoid future fraud to accounts. The link or website may look exactly like a legitimate website, but it is a “dummy” site that is set up to collect the private information you provide so the scammer can commit identity theft or to initiate unauthorized transactions. You should never call the number or visit the website provided in the email. Instead, contact the sender directly at a known number or website directly.
In some cases, the link in the email contains malicious code that is installed on your computer without your knowledge. This is especially true if you don’t keep your anti-virus and operating system updated. This malicious code can include scammers who keep track of the websites you visit, including the user IDs and passwords you enter, or it could include code that allows your computer to be taken over as part of a massive attack against a larger victim.
Phishing prevention – don’t get hooked
- Do not open emails from unknown senders, and never click on links or attachments in suspicious e-mails. If you need to contact the sender, contact them directly at a known phone number or website.
- Hover over the link to validate the website location, or use your Favorites/Bookmarks you’ve saved rather than clicking on links.
- Pay close attention to any spelling errors in the links or sender info (e.g., it’s from amazone.com instead of amazon.com.
SMB Anti-phishing Email Feature
At St. Mary’s Bank, your privacy and security is a top priority. In order to defend against phishing emails, we include a unique security feature whenever links are used in our promotional emails—the last 4 digits of your St. Mary’s Bank member number (see sample below). This code tells you the email is from us and it is safe to click the link(s). If you don't see the security code, do not click on any links included in the email!
Security Code XXXX
Important Security Feature! The security code you see above is the last 4 digits of your member number with St. Mary's Bank. If you see this code, you can be assured this email communication is from St. Mary’s Bank.
To minimize your risk of falling victim to phishing scams, you should always confirm there is something
identifiable to you (e.g., the last 4 digits of an account number) before opening attachments or clicking on links in any email you receive.
If you have any concerns about your security and privacy, please contact our Member Contact Center at 1-888-786-2791.