Dedham Savings Joins ABA and Banks Across U.S. to Launch #BanksNeverAskThat Anti-Phishing Campaign
Dedham Savings joined the American Bankers Association (ABA) and banks across the nation in launching a first-of-its-kind, industry-wide campaign to educate consumers about the persistent threat of phishing scams, according to an announcement by Peter Brown, Dedham Savings President & Chief Executive Officer.
The FTC estimates that consumers lost $1.9 billion to phishing schemes in 2019 and the ongoing pandemic has only increased the threat. To combat phishing, the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign uses attention-grabbing humor and other engaging content to empower consumers to identify bogus bank communications asking for sensitive information like their passwords and social security numbers.
Stated Brown, “At Dedham Savings, helping our customers protect their banking information is a top priority. Joining the ABA in promoting their Anti-Phishing Campaign will provide important information to our community about how to avoid scams and keep their money safe.”
“This campaign is an unprecedented effort by the banking industry to address a growing threat to our customers,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “Thanks to participating banks like Dedham Savings, we’re turning the tables on the bad guys by giving consumers the tools they need to spot illegitimate bank communications.”
Dedham Savings, along with banks across the country and ABA, is launching the campaign on Oct. 1 to mark the beginning of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Dedham Savingswill be participating by sharing information with customers through social media to highlight common phishing schemes. Because cybersecurity education and fraud awareness can often be dull and forgettable to many consumers, the campaign is designed to be bright and bold with a bit of comedy.
“Do you prefer boxers or briefs? Do you believe in aliens?!,” one of the campaign’s animated GIFs asks social media users. “Banks would never ask you these questions. Here’s another question a real bank would never ask: We’ve spotted some unusual activity on your account, can you please verify your username and password?” The campaign’s short videos offer similarly ridiculous questions that banks would never ask and direct consumers to BanksNeverAskThat.com for more information. At that website, consumers will find the #BanksNeverAskThat quiz, videos, phishing red flags, tips and FAQs. For more information about phishing scams and how to stop fraudsters in their tracks, visit www.BanksNeverAskThat.com.
ABOUT DEDHAM SAVINGS
Incorporated in 1831, Dedham Savings has assets of over $1.6 billion. Its mission is to promote the financial strength and success of the individuals, families, and businesses of the communities it serves. Dedham Savings offers a broad range of financial and electronic banking services to individuals, businesses and organizations through full-service locations in Dedham, East Dedham, Needham, Norwood, Sharon, South Boston, Walpole, and Westwood, MA.