Scammers posing as bank staff are stealing login info and draining accounts; seniors urged to stay alert
BPS press release:
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) reminds the public to stay vigilant against scammers calling residents and identifying themselves as representatives of local banks, in order to acquire their banking information and gain access to their accounts.
Typically, an unsuspecting local resident is contacted by a scammer, claiming that there has been fraudulent activity associated with their bank account.
The scammer then requests the resident to share their online banking login information and may instruct that resident to click on links provided to download and install an application to allow remote access to their computer.
Once the fraudster has received the resident’s banking information and access to their computer or other electronic device, the con artist then proceeds to make withdrawals from the unsuspecting resident’s accounts.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith of the Financial Crime Unit, advised, “Bona-fide bank employees will never ask customers to disclose their PIN number, security code or one-time password. Should you be contacted by someone purporting to be a bank employee and they ask you to provide that information, please hang up immediately. Thereafter make contact with your bank and advise them of the situation.”
Family members and friends are urged to speak with their senior citizen relatives about how to avoid being defrauded, as seniors are often targeted by swindlers.
Practical Scam Prevention Advice
• Avoid social media messages with instructions to redeem gift cards or send cash.
• Don’t install any computer software recommended by an unknown caller.
• Hang up on callers who ask for personal or bank information and either call the specific business to confirm if there is a problem, or contact the police for advice.
• Check your bank account(s) regularly for any unusual activity.
• Report any suspected fraud to the relevant bank and the police immediately.
To make a police report regarding suspected fraud, please call 211, or visit the BPS community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm/.
