"KNOW"vember: Beau Knows Banking 1-0-1
Join us in November for a month full of helpful information on scams and banking tips.
- Week 1: Beau Knows Banking - Beau's Banking Services, Beau Knows, & Beau gives out possible prizes!
- Week 2: How Beau Gobbles Through Scams: Join us as we Gobble through scams with Deputy Depew in Hope at the FNB Annex on Thursday, November 14th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. All ages welcome! We will have an area for kids to color and do activities while you learn about scams!
- Week 3: Online Banking - Sweet as Pumpkin Pie! Beau will show you all the features & benefits of Online/Mobile Banking (and you could possibly win a pumpkin pie!)
- Week 4: Beau's Thankful for Banking - Beau's Thankful for you and our services!
Follow us on Facebook or stop by of our three locations for more information!
KNOWVEMBER INFORMATION
Trick the Scammers & Follow These Tips
In the world today, scammers are around every corner. We have complied these tips and tricks as well as some current local scams that we are aware of to help you avoid being the next victim.
- Keep track of online purchases: Check off each item as it arrives. Use the vendor's official website to check the status of your purchases. Do not send additional payment to receive your package, payment is typically made at the time of your purchase.
- Stay on budget: Start a spreadsheet with everyone you purchase gifts for and keep track of the following - item purchased, cost, delivered/shipped. This will help stay on budget and stay organized.
- Start a savings account just for Christmas spending: Start saving all year for your holiday shopping. This will take some of the financial stress away.
Here are some scams that customers have reported in our area.
- Too Good to be True - A common practice for scammers is to set up websites with intentions of luring people in by advertising extremely low prices. Search the web to verify the site before you give out personal information. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is! Never click on links or give out personal information to receive special deals or discounts.
- Unemployment Email Scam - Never click on links from anyone claiming they are from the unemployment department. You need to go directly to the Kansas Department of Labor website if you suspect unemployment fraud.
- Home Warranty Mail Scam - Scammers are mailing out letters stating your "home warranty that is secured by (insert bank name here) is expiring and you must call us to get your Home Warranty up to date." THIS IS A SCAM! Do not call them. If you question the document call your bank directly.
- Amazon Email Scam - If you receive an email saying your Amazon account has been put on hold and all recent purchases will be suspended until you update your information, STOP! Do not click on any links in the email. Call your card company and verify with them if any charges have been added.
- Misleading Social Media Ads - These ads can be for counterfeit items, items that will never be sent, or even free trials for something you never agreed to. Visit the Better Business Bureau to check out the business and the reviews before you buy. Go to www.bbb.org.
Holiday Scam Alerts
- 'Double Check Deals'
A common practice for scammers is to set up websites to lure people in by using extremely low prices on holiday gifts. Search the web to verify the site before you give out personal information. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is! - 'Pre-Paid Gift Cards'
Avoid paying for items with pre-paid gift cards. In these type of scams, the seller will ask you to send them a gift card number and PIN. Instead of using that gift card for your payment, the scammer will steal the funds and you'll never receive your items. - 'Fake Shipping/Delivery Notifications Emails'
Scammers know everyone is expecting deliveries. They will send a fake notification email that is designed to trick you into sharing your personal or financial information by asking you to verify a purchase. Stop before calling the number or responding to the email. Always contact the company directly. - 'Check the Reviews' Before purchasing anything online read the review for that product or seller. Be wary of sellers with mostly unfavorable feedback ratings or no reviews at all.
- 'Malicious Holiday E-Cards'Holiday E-Cards are increasingly popular but may be fraudulent or have potential to deliver malware to your device. Delete, DO NOT open an E-Card from an unknown address. If received from a known address confirm with the sender that they did indeed send it before you open it.