Criminals continue to develop new tricks to commit fraud and account take-over is just one of the newest. What is account takeover? Account takeover occurs when criminals obtain stolen passwords, user names and personally identifiable information to take ownership of account online and commit fraud. Criminals obtain this information through a variety of techniques including purchasing data sold by other criminals on the dark web.

The following are common schemes used by criminals to steal your information and your money:

  1. Skimming & Malware -- Gas pump and point-of-sale terminals continue to be used by criminals to steal your data through remote, wireless technologies. Criminals harvest this data quickly and you may never know it! Even small businesses where you shop can be affected by skimming and malware.
  2. Phishing -- Don't let fraudsters trick you into revealing confidential information. Phishing emails are become more sophisticated in their appearance and through the use of tools that shorten web addresses into an address that appears to be correct upon first glance.
  3. Vishing & Smishing -- Fraudulent text messages, also known as smishing, trick consumers into revealing personal financial information that can be used in account takeovers. Be on the lookout for vishing -- a technique using phone calls or voice messages to trick consumers into providing this same type of information. Beware of awkward sentences, poor grammar and punctuation as well as spelling errors and hyperlinks. As always, if you have doubts, contact your bank at the number you know and trust.
  4. Malicious software -- The installation of malicious software on your computer can re-direct you to a compromised website while stealing your information. Be vigilant in maintaining your computer's operation system.

Criminals also use world events to take advantage of people -- natural disasters, tax season, the Super Bowl and more. Sometimes criminals use fake charities to pull on the heartstrings of generous consumers as well. These scams are in addition to the ongoing unpaid parcel delivery, romance, lottery and online shopping scams. Don't act hastily; take the tme to know what is going on when you receive messages, emails, automated phone calls and any communications that appear suspicious. Protect your identity, your financial information and your accounts.

Remember, if you suspect fraud, call the bank directly at the number you know and trust. Do NOT respond to these suspicious messages by voice, text or by clicking on links.