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Beware of scams to get your bank details
People are being advised to beware and be alert at all times when a person calls you, usually early in the morning, and asks for your bank account number.
One of the banks that operate in the CNMI, Bank of Hawaii, has issued a guideline on how to protect one’s self from fraudulent transactions.
Primarily, Bank of Hawaii warned its customers to be careful who they give their information to.
“Do not give out personal information such as your social security number, credit card or bank accounts, check routing codes or loan numbers over the phone to anyone who has called you, without first confirming who you are speaking to, why they need the information, and that they are who they claim to be.
“Be wary of extravagant claims, gifts, or prizes. Be on guard for suspicious mails or phone calls asking you to ‘verify you as a lucky winner.’ Get all promises in writing and review them carefully. If a caller tells you the payment is for taxes, he or she is violating federal law.
“Never pay for a ‘free prize.’ If a caller tells you the payment is for taxes or processing fees, he or she is violating federal law.
“Resist high pressure sales techniques. Legitimate businesses don’t oversell their product. Don’t’ be afraid to hang up the phone if you are not interested.
“Verify the organization. Try to obtain a physical address rather than merely a post office box. Call the given phone number to see if the number is correct and working. Check out the company with your local consumer protection office, Better Business Bureau, or the Attorney General’s Office.
“If Bank of Hawaii calls you, the representative may ask you to verify your identity with account information that you should be able to provide. The information will not require full disclosure of personal identifying information or confidential financial information such as nine-digit SSN, user ID, passwords, PIN number, credit card numbers, account numbers, etc.”
To confirm if a Bank of Hawaii email or phone solicitation is legitimate, forward the e-mail to esupport@boh.com or call the bank’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 643-3888 or call toll-free 1-888-643-3888.
MD: Bank of Hawaii issues a guideline on how to protect one’s self from fraud
