Security Center

The Michigan State Police have identified a local skimming ring in the Kalamazoo area. A skimming device is a small, covert electronic device designed to capture data from the magnetic stripe of a credit or debit card when it is swiped or inserted into a card reader. Skimming devices are typically used by criminals to steal card information and, in some cases, PINs.

To learn more about skimmers, click here. 

To keep yourself safe from a skimming attempt here is what to do before swiping your card and inputting your PIN: 

- Check the card reader to see if it's loose
- When swiping your card at the pump, ATM, or outdoor card reader, cover the keypad. 

We also recommend utilizing your credit card, rather than a debit card, for purchases such as gas, car washes, and more. 

Fraudsters may attempt to impersonate Arbor Financial employees through text messages, phone calls, or emails requesting personal information from you. This information includes but is not limited to: 

- Account number
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number

Please note, Arbor Financial employees will NEVER contact you to request sensitive or personal identifying information from you. 

If you, or someone you know, encounter a suspicious call, text, or email, please do not click any links and contact us directly at 269.375.6702.

We have received reports that mail theft is on the rise in the Kalamazoo area. Here are a few tips to ensure your mail stays secure: 

- Avoid paper checks. When possible, use person-to-person payment methods like Zelle or Venmo, and easily transfer money through mobile and online banking. 
- Sign Up for Informed Delivery. Informed Delivery is a free service provided through the United States Postal Service that provides you with email images of postal mail prior to its delivery.
- Secure Your Mailbox. Whether it's through security camera doorbells, renting a locking mailbox at your local post office, or simply utilizing the Postal Service's Hold Mail feature when traveling, these are just a few tips on how to ensure your mail is secure.  

To learn more ways to protect yourself against mail theft, click here for a helpful resource from Experian. 

Phishing scams can come in the form of emails, while smishing scams are sent via text message. Both often appear they are from a company or individual you know or trust and can tell a false story to convince you to open a link or attachment. These types of scams can be used to steal personal information, like credit card numbers, PINs, or passwords. They may include claims of suspicious activity, a problem with your payment information, or eligibility for a government refund.

Stay informed on the most recent scams through the Federal Trade Commission. If you suspect that you have received a phishing attempt:

• Do not open any attachments, click on any links, or reply
• Report and delete it

Often, fraudsters will use regular mail, telephone, or email for various scams related to the IRS, taxes, and unemployment benefits. Remember, the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Stay up-to-date on the latest scams by reading the IRS’ Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts.

Some scams targeting taxpayers include:

• Social security number scams with claims of being able to suspend or cancel the victim's SSN
• Identity theft and unemployment benefits
• IRS-Impersonation telephone scams

5 WAYS TO AVOID TAX SCAMS

Fake checks are used in many different scams. Some include:

> Secret/mystery shopping: Scammers will pretend to hire someone as a mystery shopper, telling them that their first assignment is to evaluate a retailer that sells gift cards or money orders. The mystery shopper receives a check with instructions to deposit it, and then wire the money to someone else, or purchase gift cards. Once a transaction of this kind happens, the scammer stops communicating.

> Car wrap decals: Scammers promise easy money if you shrink-wrap your car with ads for brands, such as Pepsi or Red Bull, and send a fake check to be deposited for decal installation through a non-existent company.

> Claiming prizes: Scammers send "winners" fake checks and are told to send money back to cover taxes, shipping & handling expenses, or other fees. Legitimate sweepstakes do not work like this.

> Overpayment claims: Scammers may purchase something from you online, claim to have accidentally sent a check for too much, and ask you to refund the balance.

If you receive a message that urges you to deposit a check and then wire money in return, it's a scam.