Don't be tricked on the phone
Have you noticed a Caller ID that is not the legitimate caller? Caller ID spoofing is the process of changing the Caller ID to any number other than the actual calling number. Caller ID spoofing happens when a caller knowingly falsifies the info transmitted to disguise the number they're calling from. The number that displays on your Caller ID “MAY LOOK” as though it's coming from a bank, government agency, business or even someone in your contacts list; however, it “COULD BE” an attempt to trick you to share personal info on the phone!
Do NOT give out any personal info. Identity thieves often pose as representatives of banks, credit card companies, creditors or government agencies to get account numbers, SSNs, mother's maiden names, passwords and other identifying info.
End the call immediately then call the phone number listed on the account statement /web site/phone book to determine if the request is legitimate.
Today, Bath State Bank had a report that this happened to our phone number. Please do NOT share your personal information and don't share your account/debit card numbers with anyone on the phone. Call us back if you are uncertain if we called you. Our number is on your statement, in the phone book and on our web site.
Caller ID spoofing is occurring throughout the telecommunications industry today. Landline, wireless and IP based telephone service providers are all experiencing this problem.
How to steer clear of a flood-damaged car
Shopping for a car? With new car prices averaging more than $48,000, you may be thinking about buying used. But in the wake of disasters like Hurricane Ian, tread lightly: after a hurricane or flood, storm-damaged cars are sometimes cleaned up and taken out of state for sale. You may not know a car is damaged until you look at it closely.
If you’re shopping for a used car:
- Check for signs and smells of flood damage. Is there mud or sand under the seats or dashboard? Is there rust around the doors? Is the carpet loose, stained or mismatched? Do you smell mold or decay — or an odor of strong cleaning products — in the car or trunk?
- Check for a history of flood damage. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NCIB) free database will show if a car was flood-damaged, stolen but not recovered, or otherwise declared as salvaged — but only if the car was insured when it was damaged.
- Get a vehicle history report. Start at vehiclehistory.gov to get free information about a vehicle’s title, most recent odometer reading, and condition. For a fee, you can get other reports with additional information, like accident and repair history. The FTC doesn’t endorse any specific services. Learn more at ftc.gov/usedcars.
- Get help from an independent mechanic. A mechanic can inspect the car for water damage that can slowly destroy mechanical and electrical systems and cause rust and corrosion.
- Report fraud. If you suspect a dealer is knowingly selling a storm-damaged car or a salvaged vehicle as a good-condition used car, contact the NICB. Also tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and tell your state attorney general.