Protect what you’ve worked hard for
We take your privacy and security seriously at The Merrimack and have implemented vigorous internal security measures to protect your personal and account information while banking at our branches, over the phone and via the web. With keystroke loggers, virus attacks and phishing scams becoming increasingly prevalent, your vigilance and cooperation are also imperative in ensuring your security online.
We are here to help you prevent, identify and stop fraud in its tracks.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact us and visit our resources page.
Our promise to you
Our top priorities are always the safety of your money, information and the ability to meet your financial goals. At The Merrimack, we employ the best in safety and security measures and promise to do everything in our power to keep your money secure.
The Merrimack will never contact you by phone, email, or text to request sensitive information such as your usernames, passwords, or account numbers. If you receive an unexpected message or call that appears to be from us and you’re unsure of its authenticity, please do not click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, verify directly with us to ensure it’s legitimate. Your safety is important to us! Remember, never share your login details if someone asks unexpectedly—doing so could put your account at risk.
We monitor online banking activity closely and may contact you if we notice login attempts, bill payments or external transfers that are out of the ordinary. Our Fraud Management Specialists, along with online banking service providers, will only contact you to verify the activity was authorized by you and will not ask for confidential information, such as your online banking username and password. We also employ data encryption and firewalls to ensure your sensitive information is safe from fraudsters and malware.
If you are ever uncertain if a communication you received was made by or on behalf of The Merrimack, please hang up and call us back directly. Keeping your contact information up to date, will help us to reach you promptly.
At The Merrimack, we use Falcon Fraud Center to monitor your card transactions and automatically send fraud alerts. We will take immediate action if fraud is detected on your card or accounts and ask that you contact us if you see anything suspicious as well.
In the unlikely event of a security breach or fraud attempt, your safety will remain our top priority, and our team of experts will work tirelessly to secure your money and information. Together, we will navigate any challenges and keep your financial future bright.
Types of Fraud
Being able to recognize and identify fraud is an important part of protecting your money and knowing how to respond if you become a victim. View the different types of fraud, examples, and how to respond below.
Phishing/Smishing
This is when fraudsters send emails posing as another company or trustworthy party to coerce individuals to reveal sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers.
Example: You receive an email from your electric provider’s billing company saying you have an outstanding balance on an account you don’t recognize and asks you to input your credit card or bank account information.
What to do if you believe you are a victim:
- Don’t respond/report the email as junk or spam.
- If you did respond and give away information, act immediately. Freeze accounts and contact The Merrimack by phone and using this secure contact us form.
- If you gave away credit card info, contact your credit card company and the three credit bureaus. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877.322.8228 for more information.
Ransomware
Another tactic for fraud. This is a type of malware which prevents you from accessing your device and the data stored on it. The criminal group behind the ransomware will request you pay them ransom or provide your sensitive financial information in exchange for access to your device and data.
Example: You receive a notification on your laptop claiming that you cannot access your laptop or any information on it until you pay ransom. Oftentimes the ransom will be paid in gift cards or cryptocurrency.
What to do if you believe you are a victim:
- Do not give away any information, freeze accounts and cards.
- If you did respond and give away information, act immediately. Contact The Merrimack by phone and using this secure contact us form.
- Contact a trusted IT professional to help gain access to your laptop and secure your info.
- If you gave away credit card info, contact your credit card company and the three credit bureaus. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877.322.8228 for more information.
Card Fraud
Credit card and debit card fraud can occur when a person uses someone else’s card or card information to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawals. This information may be obtained through physical card skimmers and card theft, online through websites that are not secure, and information breaches.
Example: You notice unfamiliar charges on your credit card statement and realize these charges were not made by you or any authorized users on your card.
What to do if you believe you are a victim:
- If you are concerned about your accounts or debit card contact The Merrimack by phone and using this secure contact us form.
- Contact your credit card company and the three credit bureaus to cancel cards and freeze credit. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877.322.8228 for more information.
- Continue to monitor your cards and accounts to catch more unfamiliar charges.
Online Banking Fraud
This can happen when you are a victim of phishing, smishing or some other scam to obtain your sensitive information. The criminal will then use the obtained information to log into your online banking account and transfer money or swipe your entire balance.
Example: You log into your online banking account and notice transfers to accounts that you don’t recognize and don’t belong to you.
What to do if you believe you are a victim:
- Act immediately. Freeze accounts and contact The Merrimack by phone and using this secure contact us form.
- Check credit cards and other accounts to ensure other accounts are not affected.
- Ensure your passwords are changed and your accounts are re-secured.
Other Types of Fraud
Fraud is everywhere and fraudsters are always coming up with new tactics to steal your information and hard‑earned money. Stay aware of things like check fraud, wire fraud, and account takeover. Always monitor the transactions happening in your account and be sure to check your balance regularly.
Remember, if something doesn’t seem right, say something! The Merrimack is always here to help you spot fraud and keep your money safe!