Outsmart The Fraudsters!

Fraudsters continue to get even more clever in convincing unsuspecting consumers that they are legitimate. But you can protect yourself, and it’s really not that hard to do. Here are some simple steps to take to ensure you – and your money – don’t become victims:

Phone Calls

Never give out your user ID or password over the phone. Even if you get a phone call from our phone number (or any bank, credit union, brokerage, etc.), it may be a fraudster impersonating the number (spoofing). We will never ask you for that information over the phone. If you get a call from us, and are unsure if it’s really us, ask for the representative’s name, hang up, and call us back at 401-739-4600 by physically dialing our number (do not auto dial the number that just called you).

Texts

Again, never provide your user ID or password via a text. We will never ask for that information. The only text you would receive from us regarding your debit or credit card would be to ask if you authorized a charge, and the only response requested from us would be to answer: yes or no.

Zelle

There has been a lot of fraud targeting Zelle. . If you get a call about a Zelle transaction, hang up immediately, and call us back at 401-739-4600 by physically dialing our number.

Also:

• Never repeat a Zelle case number aloud on the phone. These case numbers are usually authorizing telephone numbers that fraudsters are conning you into saying aloud.
• Never Zelle money to yourself, us, a bank or anyone in order to “fix” a Zelle problem. This request is fraud designed to steal your money.
• Never listen to anyone who tells you to ignore a yes or no text message from us about a fraudulent transaction. If you accidentally get that far in the scheme, replying “no” to our text will foil the scam.

Fraud is evolving every day. Stay up-to-date and well protected with these additional resources:

• Visit the AARP scam and fraud page on the AARP website
• Visit the American Bankers Association “Banks Never Ask That” to learn more about how to stay safe from scams
• Think you can spot a scam? Learn more by reading The Science Behind Scams, courtesy of Vox and Zelle