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Notice: Be cautious of unsolicited email, texts, or calls requesting personal information, passwords, debit card pins, login credentials, passcodes and more from those posing as North Shore Bank employees.
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Business Scam Prevention

Help Protect Your Business From Fraud: What to Watch For and How We Can Help

Fraud attempts are on the rise, and businesses are a top target. Scammers are getting better at sounding “real.” They use public information and pressure tactics to trick business owners and employees into sharing sensitive details.

At North Shore Bank, we are committed to helping businesses in our communities stay informed, protected, and confident. Below are common scams we are seeing, red flags to watch for, and simple steps you can take to reduce risk.


How Many Business Scams Start

Many scams begin with a call, text, or email that looks or sounds like it is from a trusted source. Scammers may use public information about your business, including names, addresses, and banking relationships, to sound credible.

A common pattern looks like this:

  1. A scammer contacts your business posing as a bank representative or security team member.
  2. They create urgency by claiming there is suspicious activity or a problem with a payment.
  3. They ask for confidential information such as your online banking login, password, or one-time passcode.
  4. If they get it, they may try to access your accounts and initiate unauthorized transactions.

These tactics are always changing. That is why staying informed and taking a moment to pause before acting can make a big difference.

Common Ways Scammers May Contact Your Business

Scammers may reach you in several ways:

  • Spoofed phone calls – Calls may appear to come from North Shore Bank or another trusted number.
  • Email (phishing) – Emails may look official and include logos or familiar language, asking you to click a link or provide account information.
  • Text messages - Messages may claim immediate action is needed and include links to fake websites.
  • Calls to your business phone line - Fraudsters may ask for specific employees by name to sound more credible.

Common Claims Scammers Use

Fraudsters often say they are calling about:

  • An issue with a wire, ACH, or check payment
  • Suspicious activity in digital banking
  • The need to “verify,” “freeze,” or “stop” a transaction
  • A required security or account update

No matter the reason, be cautious anytime someone asks for access to your banking information.

Be especially alert if someone requests:

  • Your digital banking User ID or password
  • A one-time passcode or multifactor authentication code
  • Clicking a link to “update” banking information or confirm activity
  • Immediate action with high pressure or threats


Important Reminder:
North Shore Bank will never ask you for your password, one-time passcodes, or full login credentials.

How to Protect Your Business

The best defense is a few consistent habits.

  1. Verify every unexpected request -  Caller ID and email can be spoofed. If something feels off, pause. Contact North Shore Bank using a known phone number or reach out to your Relationship Manager.
  2. Use your online banking safeguards -  Set ACH limits and use dual controls to add guardrails for ACH activity. Review transactions carefully before approving them.
  3. Avoid unsolicited links -  Always access Online Banking through North Shore Bank’s official website, not through links in texts or emails.
  4. Keep credentials private - Never share usernames, passwords, tokens, PINs, or authentication codes, even with someone who says they are “from the bank.”
  5. Educate your team -  Make sure employees know how to spot phishing and spoofing attempts and understand internal procedures for handling banking requests.
  6. Report suspicious activity right away - Quick action can help prevent or limit potential losses.

We’re Here to Help

If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer, or if you are not sure whether a message is legitimate, please contact:

  • Your local North Shore Bank branch
  • Your Business Banker or Relationship Manager
  • Treasury Services at 800-270-7956

We would much rather answer questions early than see a business impacted by fraud.

North Shore Bank remains committed to helping businesses stay informed, protected, and secure.

FAQs

The Corporate Transparency Act requires many companies doing business in the United States to report information about the individuals who ultimately own or control them. The law was passed to curb illicit finance and protect U.S. national security. Learn more.

North Shore Bank offers a Business Debit Card Reward program and when a Business signs up for the Easy Savings program, you will receive an automatic rebate posted to your card’s account when you use your North Shore Bank Debit Mastercard at any of the participating merchants.

View our Business Account Opening Checklist to find out what you'll need to provide prior to opening a Business Banking account.

We offer business loans. Please call one of our Business Loan Officers at an office near you.

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