Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Stoneham, MA (OCT 2023)- StonehamBank is partnering with the American Bankers Association and banks across the nation to promote an industry-wide campaign educating consumers about the persistent threat of phishing scams. The FTC estimates that consumers lost $8.8 billion to phishing and other fraud in 2022, an increase of more than 44% compared to 2021. To combat phishing, the award winning #BanksNeverAskThat campaign uses attention-grabbing humor and other engaging content to empower consumers to identify bogus bank communications asking for sensitive information like their passwords and social security numbers.
“We are acutely focused on ensuring that our customers are as protected as they can be from phishing scams,” notes CEO/President Edward F. Doherty, Jr. “Yet, with the numbers clearly indicating that fraud is continuing to rise, we feel compelled to educate our customers constantly on how to avoid the tricks these bad actors employ to get their hard-earned financial resources. Participating in the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign is one of the ways we can engage our customers of all ages and provide them the information they need to fight back.”
“By impersonating a bank, a scammer can steal thousands of dollars with just one text message, phone call or email,” said Paul Benda, senior vice president, operational risk and cybersecurity at ABA. “With the strong support of participating banks like StonehamBank the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign seeks to turn the tables by arming consumers with the information they need to outsmart the scammers and protect their money.”
StonehamBank along with banks from across the U.S., joined forces with ABA to kick off this year’s campaign on Oct. 2 to mark the beginning of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Throughout the month StonehamBank is using social, in-branch, and print media to reach as many people as possible with the great messages provided by the ABA. Because cybersecurity education and fraud awareness can often be dull and forgettable to many consumers, the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign is designed to be bright and bold with a bit of comedy.
“Would you rather give up sugar or salt” one of the campaign’s social media posts asks users. “Banks texting you about sweet vs savory would be just as weird as banks texting you a link to login, ‘cause #BanksNeverAskThat.”
The campaign’s short videos offer similarly ridiculous scenarios like wallpapering a room with cash, roasting marshmallows over a cash fire and recycling cash on garbage day to remind people they stand to lose real money if they aren't vigilant. Consumers are directed to BanksNeverAskThat.com where they will find a new interactive quiz, the "Scam City" video game, engaging videos, and tips on how to spot phishing scams. This year, the campaign is also offering a Spanish language version of the website, BancosNuncaPidenEso.com, and providing a host of other #BanksNeverAskThat consumer resources in Spanish.
For more information about phishing scams and how to stop fraudsters in their tracks, visit www.BanksNeverAskThat.com.
ABOUT STONEhamBank
StonehamBank is a full-service community bank offering state of the art products and services to residents and businesses throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. In addition to providing progressive products and convenience services, StonehamBank believes in making a difference in the community through its Community Involvement Program and Charitable Foundation. Member FDIC. Member DIF. Equal Housing Lender. For more information on StonehamBank, please visit www.stonehambank.com or call directly at 888-402-2265
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