Important Information: Service Disruptions Starting 10/4
Online Banking
Login

Tech Support Scams

Cyber Security Information Article

In a recent twist, scam artists are using the phone to try to break into your computer. They call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need. These scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it’s important to install security software. But the purpose behind their elaborate scheme isn’t to protect your computer; it’s to make money.

How it Works

Scammers have been peddling bogus security software for years. They set up fake websites, offer free “security” scans, and send alarming messages to try to convince you that your computer is infected. Then, they try to sell you software to fix the problem. At best, the software is worthless or available elsewhere for free. At worst, it could be malware—software designed to give criminals access to your computer and your personal information.

The latest version of the scam begins with a phone call. Scammers can get your name and other basic information from public directories. They might even guess what computer software you’re using.

Once they have you on the phone, they often try to gain your trust by pretending to be associated with well-known companies or confusing you with a barrage of technical terms. They may ask you to go to your computer and perform a series of complex tasks. Sometimes, they target legitimate computer files and claim that they are viruses. Their tactics are designed to scare you into believing they can help fix your “problem.”

Once they’ve gained your trust, they may:

  • ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then make changes to your settings that could leave your computer vulnerable
  • try to enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program
  • ask for credit card information so they can bill you for phony services — or services you could get elsewhere for free
  • trick you into installing malware that could steal sensitive data, like user names and passwords
  • direct you to websites and ask you to enter your credit card number and other personal information

Regardless of the tactics they use, they have one purpose—to make money.

If You Get a Call

If you get a call from someone who claims to be a tech support person, hang up and call the company yourself on a phone number you know to be genuine. A caller who creates a sense of urgency or uses high-pressure tactics is probably a scam artist.

Keep these other tips in mind

  • Don’t give control of your computer to a third party who calls you out of the blue.
  • Do not rely on caller ID alone to authenticate a caller. Criminals spoof caller ID numbers. They may appear to be calling from a legitimate company or a local number, when they’re not even in the same country as you.
  • Online search results might not be the best way to find technical support or get a company’s contact information. Scammers sometimes place online ads to convince you to call them. They pay to boost their ranking in search results so their websites and phone numbers appear above those of legitimate companies. If you want tech support, look for a company’s contact information on their software package or on your receipt.
  • Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone who calls and claims to be from tech support.
  • If a caller pressures you to buy a computer security product or says there is a subscription fee associated with the call, hang up. If you’re concerned about your computer, call your security software company directly and ask for help.
  • Never give your password on the phone. No legitimate organization calls you and asks for your password.
  • Put your phone number on the national do not call List and then report illegal Sales Calls

If You’ve Responded to a Scam

If you think you might have downloaded malware from a scam site or allowed a cybercriminal to access your computer, don’t panic. Instead:

  • Get rid of malware. Update or download legitimate security software and scan your computer. Delete anything it identifies as a problem.
  • Change any passwords that you gave out. If you use these passwords for other accounts, change those accounts, too.
  • If you paid for bogus services with a credit card, call your credit card provider and ask to reverse the charges. Check your statements for any other charges you didn’t make, and ask to reverse those, too.
  • If you believe that someone may have accessed your personal or financial information, visit the FTC’s identity theft website You can minimize your risk of further damage and repair any problems already in place.
  • File a complaint with the FTC

How to Spot a Refund Scam

If you paid for tech support services, and you later get a call about a refund, don’t give out any personal information, like your credit card or bank account number. The call is almost certainly another trick to take your money.

The refund scam works like this: Several months after the purchase, someone might call to ask if you were happy with the service. When you say you weren’t, the scammer offers a refund.

Or the caller may say that the company is going out of business and providing refunds for “warranties” and other services.

In either case, the scammers eventually ask for a bank or credit card account number. Or they ask you to create a Western Union account. They might even ask for remote access to your computer to help you fill out the necessary forms. But instead of putting money in your account, the scammers withdraw money from your account. If you get a call like this, hang up,and report it/file a complaint with the FTC

Source: Online Privacy and Security | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov)

Important E-Statement Information

We would like to inform you that our e-statement customers will not receive a special paper statement on October 4, 2024. This statement will continue as an e-statement. With access to e-statements being unavailable during our upgrade weekend along with the delay of this e-statement being made available to you through Online Banking, we wanted to provide you with options available to you to receive your statement.
If you would like to receive a copy of your paper statement recapping your account activity from your last normal statement issued through Friday, October 4, 2024, please do one of the following:
On or after October 7, 2024:
  • Call us at 570.327.5263 to request a paper statement be mailed to your address.

  • Visit your local branch to request a paper statement.

System Upgrade Important Information

Published 10/4/2024

Our System Upgrade will begin today, Friday, October 4, 2024 and continue throughout the weekend. Please see below for important times.
Online and Mobile Banking will be unavailable starting at 6:00 PM today, and will be unavailable until the afternoon on Monday, October 7, 2024. Please make note of your balances and plan for your cash needs during the System Upgrade. Your debit card will continue to work normally throughout the upgrade weekend.
Mobile Check Deposit will be unavailable starting at 3:00 PM today. Checks can still be deposited by visiting your local branch until 5:00 PM today.
Bill Pay will be unavailable starting at 4:00 PM today. All bills schedule for payment prior to this will process according to when they are set to be paid.
All offices will be closing at 5:00 PM today and will be closed on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Please visit https://woodlandsbank.com/system-upgrade/ for all updates.
We look forward to growing your experience with us!

Important Notice

Change in Branch Hours

We want to inform you that we are making some changes to our branch office hours. These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Our primary reason for changing our hours is to allow our employees to have a better work-life balance. In-turn, this allows us to better retain our excellent employees which results in even higher standards of customer service that our customers know and love.

View New Hours

We understand that our new hours may affect some of our customers’ normal routines and for that we truly apologize. We recognize change like this can be hard.

  • $1000.00 daily minimum balance to earn interest & avoid a $5.00 monthly service charge.

Qualifying Requirements include:

  • At least 1 bill pay or ACH payment transaction
  • At least 12 debit card purchases

Note: Enrollment in e-Statements is required in order to open a High Interest or Cash Rewards checking account.

IRA Management

Changing jobs or retiring can be an exciting step in your life, but figuring out what to do with your retirement plan and other retirement assets can be confusing. Woodlands Bank Trust & Asset Management Services is here to assist you in making the right choice and will help you to achieve your long-term retirement goals.

Institutional Investment Management

Companies or organizations that hold funds or other assets can rely on Woodlands Bank Trust & Asset Management Services to assist them in managing their resources for long-term benefits. We will provide investment management during a period of time or into perpetuity.

Charitable Investment Management

Non-profit organizations that hold funds or other assets from charitable donations can utilize Woodlands Bank Trust & Asset Management Services to invest those funds for long-term benefits. We will provide investment management during a period of time or into perpetuity.

Executor & Estate Settlement Services

Choosing a qualified executor is essential to the timely and efficient administration of an estate. Our estate settlement services include acting as:

  • Executor
  • Agent for Executor

Estate & Financial Planning Services

The most common mistake in financial planning is not having a plan—having a strong financial and estate plan is vital to your financial health. We will work with you and your estate attorney to craft a plan for your unique needs.

Asset Management & Custodial Services

We will work with an individual to design a portfolio to fit their specific needs and objectives. Our duties will be determined by the type of account chosen.

  • Investment Management Accounts
  • Institutional Investment Accounts
  • Custody Account

Personal Trust Services

A trust permits an individual to carry out personal and financial objectives while providing protection for themselves and their family. The trust agreement sets forth the wishes of the individual, and it is the trustee’s responsibility to carry out those wishes. As a trustee, we will provide impartial advice and counseling for beneficiaries, investment management of the trust assets, continuity of management and a full accounting of all transactions. We offer:

  • Living Trusts
  • Testamentary Trusts (Trusts Under Will)
  • Life Insurance Trusts
  • Special Needs/Situations (Guardianships, Charitable)
  • Agent for Trustee