Banterra's top priority is preserving your privacy and keeping your financial information secure. We also believe it is our job to provide you with the resources so you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself. If you'd like to learn more about financial security, please browse the resources below.
Scam Alert
We have been made aware of a recent scam where Banterra customers are being contacted by fraudsters asking them to verify a transaction, with a link provided to log into what appears to be their Digital Banking. Please remember, Banterra will never reach out to you via phone or text asking you to verify a transaction.
Please help us fight fraud by clicking here to report attempted fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
Financial fraud comes in several forms. Your personal finances and your business could be the target of fraud, and there are a variety of ways criminals can use to try and steal your information and money.
Please be aware of these recent scams. If you have received fraud attempts, please do your part to fight fraud by reporting it to the Federal Trade Commission by clicking here.
Identity Theft happens when a criminal gets your personal information and tries to steal money from your accounts, open new credit cards, apply for loans, rent apartments and commit other crimes—all using your identity. Identity theft can damage your credit, leave you with unwanted bills and require a lot of time and frustration to clean up.
Criminals might use a variety of methods to steal your information, including:
How can I find out if my identity was stolen?
One of the best ways is to have a Banterra SmartChoice Checking Account which includes IDProtect. This service will notify you of any suspicious activity.
You should also make it a common routine to check your accounts daily with Banterra’s Digital Banking and review your monthly bank statements. You should also obtain your credit report at least once a year and review for transactions and accounts you don't recognize. If there are items you don’t recognize, you should address quickly to limit the damage.
What should I do if my identity is stolen?
Contact your financial institution immediately and alert it to the situation.
Report all suspicious contacts to the Federal Trade Commission via their website or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT or by mail:
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus and discuss with them whether you need to place a fraud alert on your file. This will help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name.
Equifax
800.685.1111
PO Box 105069
Atlanta, GA 30348-5069
Experian
888.397.3742
PO Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
800.680.7289
PO Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
ACH fraud is the theft of funds through the Automated Clearing House financial transaction network. The ACH network acts as the central clearing facility for all Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) transactions in the United States, representing a crucial link in the national banking system. ACH is used to process direct deposits, checks, bill payments, and cash transfers between businesses and individuals.
Follow these steps to avoid becoming a victim:
If you suspect ACH Fraud has occurred with your bank accounts, contact Banterra Customer Care at 866-226-8377.
Be observant when using your debit card at ATM machines and gas pumps. A popular scam is for a devise that looks similar to the debit card slot on an ATM machine or a card swipe on a gas pump is placed on the machines and copies your account data including your PIN number. When your information is obtained in this way, it is often then used to make counterfeit cards to withdraw cash from your account at ATMs or to make card purchases.
Here some tips to minimize your chance of being compromised in this way:
Elder Abuse is when someone illegally or improperly uses a vulnerable senior's money or other property for their own use. What is especially disappointing is that often the people exploiting older adults are family members, caregivers, or other trusted individuals who are handling the financial affairs of a parent, relative, caretaker, or friend. Be aware of warning signs of potential Elder Abuse and notify a Banterra representative or proper authorities if suspect this may be occurring. Some example signs to notice are:
Contact Banterra Customer Care or proper authorities immediately if you suspect Elder Abuse.
A popular fraud attempt is to send unsolicited emails posing as a financial institution, utility service or other company and ask the receiver to reply or open a link to provide personal data such as credit card information, bank account numbers, and Social Security numbers.
Please know that Banterra will never ask for your personal information through email and we also ask that you never send us personal information through unsecured email. To avoid Email Schemes:
Cybersecurity
The state of being protected against the criminal or unauthorized use of electronic data, or the measures taken to achieve this.
Fraud
Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is the crime of using another person's personal information, credit history or other identifying characteristics in order to make purchases or borrow money without that person's permission.
Phishing, Vishing and SMiShing
Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails appearing to be from reputable companies in order to convince you to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
Vishing is the fraudulent practice of making phone calls or leaving voice messages appearing to be reputable companies in order to convince individuals to reveal personal information, such as bank details and credit card numbers.
“SMiShing” is the mobile version of phishing, and occurs when someone sends a SMS/text message asking you to provide personal and/or financial information by clicking on a link or responding via text or phone number.
Pretexting
When an individual will present to be you when they call banks, phone companies and other sources to get additional information.
Ransomware
Ransomware is the term for malware (malicious software) that prevents or limits a user from accessing his or her files by locking them down, a practice commonly referred to as encryption. The only way to unlock the encrypted files is to pay ransom, usually in the form of Bitcoins, an online digital currency. Ransomware started by preying on individuals, but more recently has become a huge threat to even the largest organizations too. And if you think these schemes are being ran out of somebody’s mom’s basement, think again. These attacks are increasingly coming from very large, very organized crime rings that are business-oriented, tech savvy, and looking to you to help them cash in on their efforts.
Skimming
When an individual will steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special device on ATMs or when processing a purchase such as gas.
Spoofing
Web-site spoofing is a method of creating fraudulent websites that look similar, if not identical, to an actual site, such as that of a bank. Online thieves often direct you to fraudulent websites via email and pop-up windows fooling you into entering information such as digital banking username and password, card information or other information that a criminal can use to fraudulently use your account or steal your identity.
Spyware
Spyware downloads malicious software (without your knowledge) onto your computer via email attachments, internet downloads, messenger chats, or file sharing. These programs, also known as "Trojans" or "keyloggers," are designed to capture your logins, passwords, or other personal data as you log into authorized websites. Your confidential information can also be obtained through a fake web page presented when you type in a real website address of a site you want to visit.
