March 24, 2020
Cyber attackers and fraudsters often take advantage of major world events or disasters. They play on human emotions to convince users to perform an action or disclose confidential information. We are seeing this take place in regards to the COVID-19 coronavirus—with a significant increase in coronavirus themed phishing emails and fraudulent websites.
Online Safety Tips
Please exercise extreme caution when interacting with any coronavirus related email messages or suspicious websites. Please review the tips below for dealing with these types of messages.
- Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether for charities, crowdfunding, or disaster-relief sites. Do not let anyone rush you into making a donation. Be wary of those asking for donations in cash, by gift card, or through wire transfers.
- Be aware of fake websites and advertisements offering fraudulent coronavirus treatment products or remedies. These sites may contain malware that can infect your computer and steal your information. At this time, there are no known cures for the COVID-19 virus; anything claiming otherwise is a fraud.
- Watch out for emails claiming to be from the World Health Organization (WHO), or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit their websites at www.cdc.gov and www.who.int
- Use caution with any email messages that portray a sense of urgency or fear.
- Do not click on links or open any attachments from email senders you do not recognize or were not expecting.
- Do not provide any credentials, personal information, or financial information to any email sender contacting you in regards to the coronavirus.
- Illegal price gouging on household cleaning and safety products have been reported. If you experience a price that is unconscionably excessive, you can contact the NY Attorney General to file a complaint.
As more customers transact with us outside of our branches, we remind you to take please take necessary actions to protect and safeguard your information.
Safety Tips for ATMs and Drive-Up Teller Services
- Additional authentication may be requested for drive-up services to verify your identity and protect your accounts. Be sure to remove hats, sunglasses, and hoods to assist with identity verification.
- Never deposit a check into your account for a stranger. Fraudsters may persuade you to assist by offering you a portion of their deposit. Do not be their associate!
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Remove headphones and turn down music in your car so you are able to hear noises as you use the ATM.
- Use ATMs that are well-lighted.
- Prepare your transaction, including counting and sorting funds, before you approach the ATM or drive-up.
- Cover your hand when entering your PIN at an ATM.
- Monitor your accounts daily for suspicious transactions.
Additional Steps to Protect Your Accounts
ESL Card Control App
If you would like more control over your ATM/Debit card, ESL has an app to help with ATM/Debit card management called ESL Card Control that allows you to turn your debit card on or off if you lose or misplace it. The app also allows you set alerts for transaction amounts, as well as certain categories of purchases—putting more control in your hands to help keep your account more secure.
Text and Email Alerts
ESL also offers alerts via text and email for withdrawals, deposits, and balance updates. These can be set up by:
- Signing into ESL Online Banking
- Selecting My Settings in the upper right corner
- Selecting Alerts & Notifications in the bottom section of the page
Reporting & Preventing Fraud
If you see suspicious activity at an ATM or drive up, contact local law enforcement authorities immediately. If you see fraudulent activity on your account, please call our Fraud Team directly at 585.336.1140.
