Fraud Prevention

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Protect Yourself from Scams & Fraud

Fraud is evolving every day—and scammers are getting smarter. From fake checks and phony emails to peer-to-peer payment tricks, the tactics may vary, but the goal is the same: to steal your money or personal information.

If you’re ever unsure, pause and call the number on the back of your debit card or speak to someone you trust, such as a family member, close friend or your Bank before taking any action. 

Below are three of the most common fraud types affecting consumers and businesses today—plus helpful tips to stay protected. 

Check & Deposit Scams

Key Facts:

  • Checks can be stolen from mailboxes and fraudulently altered.
  • Public mailboxes (like the Blue USPS standalone mailboxes) are a favored target for mail thieves.
  • Fraudsters often “wash” stolen checks to remove ink and rewrite them for higher amounts payable to other payees.

Helpful Tips:

  • Retrieve mail promptly and avoid public mailboxes when mailing checks.
  • Add “For Deposit Only” and your account number when endorsing checks.
  • Monitor account activity and check images daily.
  • When in doubt, call the number on your card or a trusted contact, such as a family member, close friend or your bank before taking any action.

Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams

Key Facts:

  • $2.77 billion in losses due to Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams in 2024.
  • These scams often impersonate executives, vendors, or coworkers.
  • BEC incidents have doubled in just one year.

Helpful Tips:

  • Always verify payment requests via a known phone number.
  • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on email accounts.
  • Watch for urgent or strange email requests.
  • If something feels off, call the number on your card or talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, close friend or your bank before taking any action.

Person to Person (P2P) & Account Takeover Scams

Key Facts:

  • $16.6 billion in Internet-related fraud losses in 2024.
  • P2P platforms like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App are frequent targets.
  • Seniors lost nearly $5 billion to fraud in 2024.

Helpful Tips:

  • Double-check usernames and phone numbers before sending money.
  • Set alerts and daily transfer limits.
  • Don’t send money to people you haven’t met in person.
  • Uncertain? Call the number on your debit card or check with a trusted person first, such as a family member, close friend or your bank before taking any action.
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The information presented in this Hanover Bank Security Center Guide (the “Guide”) is provided by Hanover Bank (“the Bank,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) for general, educational purposes only. By accessing, downloading, or using the Guide or any related materials on this website, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:


No Professional, Legal, or Regulatory Advice
The Guide is not intended to constitute—and should not be relied on as—legal, regulatory, accounting, financial planning, or cybersecurity consulting advice. Circumstances vary, and you should consult qualified professionals or advisors who are familiar with your particular situation before acting on any information contained herein.

Information “As Is” and “As Available”
All content is offered “as is” and “as available,” without representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including—but not limited to—warranties of accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. Although the Bank endeavors to keep the Guide current, threats, technologies, and best practices evolve rapidly; we cannot guarantee that the material is error free, complete, or up to date at the moment you read it.

User Responsibility and Risk
Implementing any recommendation from the Guide is entirely at your discretion and risk. You remain solely responsible for evaluating the suitability of the information for your devices, networks, and personal or business circumstances, and for taking your own precautions to ensure that any chosen measures achieve your desired level of protection.

Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Bank, its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, and licensors will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, punitive, or other damages—including loss of data, loss of profits, or business interruption—arising out of or relating to your use of, or inability to use, the Guide or any linked materials, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Third Party Links and References
The Guide may reference or link to third party websites, products, or services solely for convenience. The Bank does not control, endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for any third-party content, security measures, privacy policies, or practices. Visiting such sites or using such products is at your own risk, and you should review the applicable terms and policies of those third parties.

No Guarantee of Security or Fraud Prevention
Following the suggestions in the Guide can reduce risk, but it cannot eliminate it. Cybersecurity is influenced by factors beyond the Bank’s control—including your personal vigilance, device configurations, and actions of malicious actors. The Bank does not warrant that implementation of any recommendation will prevent fraud, unauthorized access, or loss.

Changes to the Guide or Disclaimer
We reserve the right to modify, update, or withdraw the Guide—and to amend this Disclaimer—at any time without prior notice. Your continued use of the Guide after any changes become effective constitutes acceptance of those changes.

Governing Law
This Disclaimer and any disputes relating to the Guide are governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of laws principles, and any legal action shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located within New York State.

Contact Information
If you have questions about the Guide, encounter suspicious activity, or believe your account or personal information has been compromised, please contact our Security Center 24 /7 at 877.548.8880.
By viewing, downloading, or otherwise using the Guide, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Disclaimer. If you do not agree, please do not use the Guide or rely on its contents.

Stay alert, stay informed, and never hesitate to reach out to your local branch or our customer support team for help. 

877.548.8880