Homeowners should be cautious of calls, emails, letters and texts urging them to inquire about a time-sensitive matter with their mortgage. Communications may include messages about an expiring home warranty, insurance coverage, lower rates for payment and more. Sometimes, it can even look like your lender sent the message.
As a reminder, Peoples Bank will never text, call or email asking for your account information or debit card number. Don’t share your online banking credentials, account numbers, passwords or pin numbers. If you ever have questions, please call us at 800.374.6123.
How can I spot scams?
Here are a few signs the messages you are receiving are NOT from your lender:
- Spelling or grammar errors
- Creating a sense of urgency (Phrases like “call now” or “immediate response needed.”)
- Creating a sense of panic (Phrases like “you are at financial risk” and “your coverage is expiring soon”)
- Inclusion of disclaimers (Fine print at the bottom of a message to the effect of “information from public records” or “not affiliated with your current mortgage company.”)
How do senders get my information?
At Peoples Bank, we are committed to protecting your personal information. We do not sell or distribute private or non-public information to non-affiliate third parties.
However, some information about your mortgage, regardless of your lender, is public record. Mortgages and deeds of trust are public record entries and how scammers can obtain your name, address and lender.
In the event you receive a notice, the best course of action is to disregard and dispose of the message. Responding may connect you to a scammer.
If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a message, contact your mortgage lender. Peoples Bank is always available to answer your questions at 800.374.6123, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
