Scam & Fraud Alerts

Fraud Alerts and Resources for Businesses from the FTC

• No love for Romance Scammers in 2024
• Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S.. Use these tips to keep safe.
• New FTC Data Analysis Shows Bank Impersonation is Most-Reported Text Message Scam (June, 2023)
• No, that’s not the IRS texting about a tax refund or rebate. It’s a scam (2022)
• New Analysis Finds Consumers Reported Losing More than $1 Billion in Cryptocurrency to Scams since 2021
• Data Breach Response: A Guide for Business
• Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business
• Start with Security: A Guide for Business
• Protect Your Business from Scams

Passwords: Change Them All, Change Them Now

There's no shortage of articles on strong password tips, but what was once considered strategic and clever -- such as using symbols, capitalizations and numbers like 3 in place of the letter "e" -- are old tricks. So here's what you need to know now:

• Use a different password for each account you use -- you wouldn't use the same key in all of your locks. The same goes for passwords.
• Experts say only those who use random unique passwords on every site have reduced their risk from this latest breach. If you re-use passwords you are critically exposed.
• Security firm McAfee suggests avoiding password words that include personal information, like your birthday, pet's name or a favorite color because they're easy for hackers to guess. Passwords should also be long -- at least 14 characters -- and when you use common replacements (like symbols and letters), make sure they're not tacked on at the end; scatter them throughout.
• Some password management apps (ie: KeeperSecurity.com) offer a quick and easy password generator.

Still have questions?

If you have questions, please feel free to contact your Prime Meridian Bank representative directly or call 850-907-2300. Read more at OnGuardOnline.gov.