Security Center Alerts
Security Center
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Active Security AlertsAN ACTION PLAN: FTC Plan to Avoid Scams - Post Date: 11/24/2025
Protect Yourself from Scams: Start with an Action Plan
Scammers use every trick in the book to steal your money or personal information. They might claim you owe the government, pretend to be your bank, or say a loved one is in trouble. Their goal? To make you panic and act fast — before you have time to think.
The FTC’s How I’ll Avoid a Scam: My Action Plan helps you stay one step ahead. With this free tool, you can:- List trusted contacts — friends, family, or neighbors you can call if something feels off.
- Save key company info — like your bank or credit card provider, so you can reach them directly if there’s a problem.
Post your plan on the fridge or keep it near your phone or computer. Then share it with others — your kids, parents, coworkers, or community. And remember, if you spot a scam, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Read the FTC Consumer alert.Salem Five is also here to help! If you believe you have been a target of a scam, or have provided someone with your account or online banking information, contact us immediately at (800) 850-5000.
FRAUD ON THE RISE: Tips for protecting your HELOC account - Post Date: 9/10/2025HELOC Fraud On The Rise!
Unfortunately, fraud of all types is on the rise. Recently, we’ve noticed a spike in Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) fraud. HELOCs are great tools for customers to access funds; but, similar to credit cards, it’s important for you to safeguard your account. Given the typical loan amounts of HELOCs, there’s even more at stake if fraud occurs.
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your account:- Safeguard any Checks that have access to your Line of Credit – Keep in a lockbox or safe.
- Enroll in Online Banking – Password protected access to your account. Securely transfer funds to your Salem Five deposit account as needed.
- Sign up for Alerts within Online Banking – To be sure you know when transactions occur.
- Monitor your Account – Be sure to review statements when they’re available.
- Never share your Account Information – Salem Five will never ask you for your account numbers or login credentials.
Salem Five is also here to help! If you believe you have been a target of a scam, or have provided someone with your account or online banking information, contact us immediately at (800) 850-5000.
TEXT SCAMS: Don't react quickly to unexpected text messages - Post Date: 4/25/2025FTC warns about Text Scammers!
Many text scams start as fake fraud alerts. You may get a text message from someone claiming to be from a fraud department with Amazon or a bank, offering to help with a suspicious charge. Don't get tricked by replying to the text message or calling a phone number. Learn more about this scam by visiting the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice (consumer.ftc.gov).
How to avoid text scams:- DON'T REPLY to unexpected text messages, it could be a scam.
- NEVER CLICK LINKS in unexpected messages. Scammers want you to react quickly.
- DON'T ASSUME a text from a known business or bank is legit.
- DON'T CARELESSLY give out your credit card or social security number.
- ALWAYS CHECK it out and reach out directly to the business or bank by using a phone number or website you know is legit.
Delete and report scam texts using your phone's "report junk" option or forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM). Learn more at ftc.gov/textscams.Salem Five is also here to help! If you believe you have been a target of a scam, or have provided someone with your account or online banking information, contact us immediately at (800) 850-5000.