(Columbus) A bank secrecy act officer with Farmers and Merchants Union Bank in Columbus recently joined Community Comment to discuss financial scams. Shaian Hannaman says her position exists at all financial institutions and they are in charge of monitoring suspicious activity as well as take referrals for possible fraud incidents.
Hannaman discussed trending scams including check and investment scams as well as romance scams. She also shared a few tips to keep in mind if you or someone you know is being victimized by scammers.
“It always comes back to…trusting your gut,” says Hannaman. “If something seems off…if something’s to good to be true…you have to trust yourself in those moments even if you feel like this is just fine…there are ways to check on those scams. So, if you got a phone call where you’re told to call a certain phone number…try going out and finding the known number. If you’re getting a phone call and they’re saying it’s the local police department…call the known number and verify with them that they are trying to get in contact with you.”
Other tips include contacting your financial institution and verifying any information with them or signing up for consumer alerts on the FTC website.
