Phishing

What You Need to Know About Internet “Phishing”


Today's environment has us often relying on email as a fast and effective means of communication. However, with such technology criminals are increasingly utilizing email in order to fraudulently obtain confidential information. At Greenfield Savings Bank, we take pride in our commitment to our customers, and we are therefore alerting you to be aware of these potentially dangerous schemes.

These fraudulent emails may appear to come from a Financial Institution and may attempt to trick you into disclosing personal information, such as account numbers, passwords or PIN's, social security numbers, and other personally identifiable information. These emails, and the web links that sometimes accompany them, are often very realistic and convincing.

Important security safeguards and simple precautions to remember:

  • Never give out your account number, ATM/Debit card number, PIN or other personally identifiable information if requested via an unsolicited email or phone call.
  • Never reveal your PIN to anyone, including Greenfield Savings Bank employees.
  • Be sure to log out after your online banking session, and close your browser.
  • When discarding banking receipts and credit card statements, it is a good idea to shred these documents, as they contain confidential information.

Have You’ve Been “Phished”?

If you believe that you have provided sensitive financial information about yourself through a phishing scam, you should:
  • Immediately contact your financial institution.
  • Contact the three major credit bureaus and request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit report. The credit bureaus and phone numbers are:
    • Equifax, 1-800-525-6285
    • Experian, 1-888-397-3742
    • TransUnion, 1-800-680-7289
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by clicking here(Opens in a new Window) or by calling 1-877-382-4357.

Imposter "Phishing" Scam Alert

Scammers want to steal your passwords, account numbers, debit card numbers and/or social security numbers and may pose as Greenfield Savings Bank representatives to do it. Imposter Scammers may use your email, cell phone number, and information they find on social media to convince you that they are from the Bank in an attempt to get you to provide your bank account and debit card numbers. If that happens, scammers can take your money through online purchases and other means.

Imposter Scammers use sophisticated methods to try and get the information they need to electronically rob you.
Common communication channels used in Imposter Scams are emails or text messages, which may also include a phone number for you to call them back on. DO NOT call them back.

Phishing emails and text messages are specifically constructed to convince you they are coming from the Bank in order to get you to click on a link or open an attachment. DO NOT click on any links or open an attachment when you get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it is from Greenfield Savings Bank.

Protect yourself by following these three steps:
  • The Bank will never ask you for your personal information in an email or text. When you call into our Bank, we will ask your security questions and also verify your information we have on file, including a security keyword you created.
  • Scammers want you to think that they are the Bank reaching out to you.
  • DO NOT click on links in unexpected text messages or emails. Delete the message, then block the sender.
If we need to reach you, we will call you at your phone number on file and ask you the security questions and use the keyword that you provided to identify you. Keeping this security information updated in our system is key to helping protect your account.

Scammers often use some information about you through social media to sound authentic. They are ‘Phishing’ for the rest of your personal information to steal from you. Stay alert for these fraud attempts.
Never call the number in any suspicious text or email. Call the bank directly at our official numbers: 888-324-3191-Toll Free and 413-774-3191. You can verify these numbers on the back of your GSB Debit Card or on our website at greenfieldsavings.com.

To best protect you and your accounts from fraud, we have detection methods we use daily to identify and avert fraudulent activity. However, if you see a transaction you do not recognize, it is very important to alert us immediately so that we can assist you in stopping any unauthorized transactions. Call us anytime you suspect that you have received a fraud attempt.

“Red flags” of an imposter “phishing” scam attempt

Here are some Red Flags that should alert you to possible fraud when you receive an unsolicited or unexpected email or text or phone call that claims to be from Greenfield Savings Bank:
  • You receive a phone call: “Hi, I am from Greenfield Savings Bank, we have detected Fraud on your card, can you verify your Debit Card number please?" Hang up, write down the phone number, then delete the phone number from your phone and call us directly to report it.
  • You receive an email or text: “The bank has detected a problem with your account or a payment, please click on this link to update your information.”
    Do not click on the link, delete the message, then block the sender.
  • You receive an email or text: “A message from Greenfield Savings Bank; your Bill Payment was not Successful. Click here to make your payment.”
    OR you receive an email or text: “Due to Detected Fraud, the Bank needs you to confirm some personal or financial information" by clicking on a link or calling a phone number.
    These types of links may contain a virus or malware in it to take over your phone or computer. Do not click on the link, delete the message, and then block the sender.