Coronavirus Scam Alert
As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, be aware that scammers are attempting to take advantage of the situation by using various methods to steal your personal information.
Criminals may use one of the following tactics to defraud you:
- Credential theft
- Scammers steal your credentials (e.g. passwords) in order to gain access to your accounts. They can then change your passwords, lock you out of your account, or download your private information.
- Wire fraud
- Scammers try to trick you into authorizing illegal wire transfers.
- Telephone scams
- Scammers make their phone calls look legitimate by using spoofing technology to display Sandy Spring Bank’s name and phone number on Caller ID. Once on the phone, they will attempt to gain your trust while asking you for sensitive information.
- Ransomware attacks
- Scammers lock you out of your computer system or data until you pay them a ransom.
- Malware attacks
- Scammers send you emails containing fraudulent links that, if clicked, download malicious software (malware) onto your computer.
Protect yourself by considering the following:
- If you are a business client, make sure you have safe controls in place for conducting financial transactions, such as dual control.
- Set up multi-factor or two-step authentication for your email accounts and any external virtual private network (VPN) accounts.
- Do not click on links provided in emails from untrusted or unknown sources – especially ones related to COVID-19. Use trusted resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updates.
- Set up alerts in online banking to notify you of suspicious transactions.
- Protect yourself while using video conferencing services such as Zoom. Keep your meetings private by requiring a password to join, control the admittance of participants by using the waiting room feature, and change screen-sharing capabilities to “host only.” Find more helpful tips here.
- If you are a caregiver for an elderly person, be aware that many of these attacks may be targeted at these individuals.
Sandy Spring Bank will never contact you via email, text or phone to confirm or request your online banking credentials (including verification questions and answers) or to ask for your account or card information. These are popular tactics of criminals who are attempting to defraud you.
If anyone calls you claiming to be a Sandy Spring Bank employee and asks you questions about these items, hang up. Call us during business hours, and we will advise you on how to ensure your information is protected.
If you have questions or need assistance, please send us a secure message or call us at 800.399.5919 and press 2 for our Client Service Center to speak with a client service representative who will be happy to help you. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Our Client Service Center is experiencing higher than normal call volume and longer wait times. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask for your understanding as we work to serve all of our clients.