Financial Security

Scams and Fraud

As you check emails and browse social, please remember to keep your financial and personal information secure. That means being extra careful about opening links, attachments, or requests for information from anyone claiming to represent Meridian Mutual, retail vendors, or large agencies. There are scammers trying to take advantage of the holidays to gain access to your data.

Meridian Mutual will never call, message, or email you to request any of your personal information. Be careful with any urgent messages that want you to follow a link or provide your personal information, and always double-check the source before sharing your information.

Email phishing:

Typically the cardholder name is not used. (i.e., “Dear Cardholder”)

Any emails that request you to change your e-mail addresses or passwords

E-mails requesting that you update personal or account information due to system, security or technology updates at your financial institution

Do not click on any links in these e-mails or respond in any way

 

Phone and SMS phishing:

The financial institution name may or may not be correct

The customer name will commonly not be used, (i.e. “Dear Cardholder”)

Requests for full account/card number, PIN, expiration, and/or other personal information

Messages often urge action to prevent negative impact

Legitimate calls from a financial institution will frequently require two pieces of information to authenticate the cardholder’s identity, but will typically will be the last four digits of social security number (NOT the full number), and/ or address.