Scam Examples
These are a few examples of common scams
- My Caller ID showed my Bank, Comcast or the IRS , (or any other business number):
The caller introduces themselves as being from the business on the caller ID and tells you that someone in another country applied for a credit card in your name. They ask personal questions to collect information about you. Oftentimes they will provide some identifying information to gain your trust and will provide a phone number for you to call back that is not the published number of the Company or Business– this is a fake number belonging to the fraudster. When in doubt, hang up and call the regular business number on your statement or bill. - A family member in trouble:
The distraught person on the other end sounds like a distressed version of your son, daughter or other family member claiming to be in an accident or some other urgent situation such as being arrested. They provide you with a phone number to call. Sometimes a fake lawyer or other important person will follow-up with you asking you to transfer funds. They will claim to need the money to have the family member released from jail or for medical care. - Gift card purchases:
A pop-up ad has a great deal on a product for sale. When you text or call the number, they ask you to purchase gift cards and send them for payment. - A stranger texts or calls:
A text or call comes in with a generic greeting or the caller asks for someone else. If you indicate they have the wrong number, the fraudster could strike up a conversation and then attempt to gather personal information. This is a scam and they are trying to get personal information about you to commit fraud or they will ask you for money at some point in the future.
Remember: If you ever receive a suspicious call from “Haverhill Bank”, hang up and call your local branch or our main number (978-374-0161). If the call is legitimate, they will reconnect you to the appropriate team member or department trying to reach you.