Protecting Against Local Online Fraud: The Importance of Local Community in Safeguarding Against Scams

November 19, 2024 by Hilary Jenison

As online fraud grows increasingly sophisticated, even local communities like Hingham are feeling the impact. Though fraud might once have felt like a distant problem, today our residents encounter it regularly. We recently connected with Lt. Steven Dearth of the Hingham Police Department and Daniel Picha, Chief Banking Operations Officer of South Shore Bank to learn more about local trends in online fraud and what residents can do to protect themselves. The Hingham Police Department has observed a steady flow of scam reports, with some recent cases involving newer platforms like Bitcoin. “We haven’t had a wave of new scams recently, but the longstanding ones are still active, and the latest involves Bitcoin,” shares Lt. Steven Dearth, the department’s Public Information Officer. “We only take reports when there’s an actual attempt, a loss of funds, or when someone’s given away sensitive information like Social Security numbers or account details. Unfortunately, scam attempts are something we all face every day through email, phone calls, texts, and mail.”

Text scams are on the rise, with scammers posing as banks, online retailers, delivery services, or government agencies. They claim issues like suspicious account activity, overdue bills, undelivered items, or job interviews. The goal is to urge you to click a link or call a number, often to steal personal information or install malware.

Phone scams are targeting individuals, requesting them to make substantial cash withdrawals from their bank accounts. Often, they are connected to someone posing as a US Marshal who provides a false story about suspected activity, directing the individual to pay cash to avoid prosecution.

Check washing remains a problem, with criminals stealing checks from blue mailboxes, erasing the details, and rewriting the recipient and amount.

With the holidays around the corner, consumers should be aware of fake charities seeking ‘donations.’

Another disturbing trend are romance scams. Scammers prey upon individuals who are lonely and develop elaborate stories that lead to the victim being persuaded to send the scammer money that they will promise to pay back.  Many times, the scammers identify victims through social media channels and online dating applications.

For South Shore Bank, this rising trend underscores the need for vigilance, especially as fraudsters evolve their tactics. With a strong local presence, South Shore Bank leverages its community connections to protect its clients. “Being a local bank means we’re in a unique position to recognize unusual patterns and respond with the personal touch that only a community institution can offer,” explains Daniel Picha, Chief Banking Operations Officer. “We know our clients, which allows us to spot red flags more effectively and take immediate action to keep their accounts secure.”

Personalized Fraud Protection for Individuals and Businesses South Shore Bank’s commitment to fraud prevention spans both personal and business accounts, with services tailored to address specific risks. The bank’s Deposit Operations team, for instance, monitors account activity closely, looking for any signs of fraudulent transactions.

“Our Deposit Operations group acts as the frontline, analyzing data and watching for anything that doesn’t look right,” Picha explains. “Our familiarity with our clients allows us to make these calls swiftly, potentially stopping fraud in its tracks.”

For businesses, online threats can be especially damaging, with fraudsters targeting company accounts in increasingly complex ways. South Shore Bank provides business clients with additional fraud-prevention tools, including secure cash management services, positive pay, and enhanced monitoring. “Businesses in our community rely on us not only for financial services but for trusted advice and fast response when it counts,” Picha adds.

Educational Support and Community Resources
Education is a cornerstone of South Shore Bank’s fraud prevention strategy. The Bank regularly hosts workshops and events to keep clients informed about the latest scams and fraud- prevention techniques. “We’re here to empower our clients to recognize scams before they become victims,” says Picha. “Whether it’s through one-on-one meetings or community events, we want our clients to feel equipped to protect themselves.”

Lt. Dearth underscores the importance of these types of educational initiatives. “When people understand what to look for, they’re much less likely to fall victim to these scams,” he says.

The Hingham Police Department often gives free community presentations to groups about scams at places like the Hingham Center for Active Living, Linden Ponds, Harbor House, and more. The courses are run by a detective and patrol officer and discuss the scams they have been seeing. If any there is a group, organization or business that would like to have the HPD come in, they welcome the opportunity and would be happy to coordinate by contacting Detective Sgt. Philip Emmott by email at emmottp@hpd.org to schedule.

The Power of Local Support in an Era of Digital Fraud
Working with a trusted local bank like South Shore Bank brings invaluable peace of mind to clients, as it combines advanced fraud-detection technology with a personal, responsive approach. “We’re deeply connected to our clients and invested in their well-being,” says Picha. “When they bank with us, they’re not just getting a service—they’re gaining a team of people who are genuinely committed to their protection and success.”

In a world where fraud is increasingly digital, local community resources provide essential protection. By combining advanced monitoring technology with a local touch and a commitment to education, these community-based efforts offer a solid line of defense against the ever- evolving threats of online scams, helping residents and businesses safeguard their assets.

Thank you to South Shore Bank for supporting local news through sponsorship of this article.