EDGARTOWN — Martha’s Vineyard Bank has reported a series of fraudulent activities aimed at elderly customers, prompting a warning and a call for assistance from local law enforcement.
In a letter dated Sept. 25, the bank alerted the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office to the growing number of scams involving perpetrators impersonating bank representatives.
These scammers have been contacting senior customers, urging them to withdraw large sums of money from their accounts, and advising them not to discuss the transactions with anyone, including bank staff, suggesting the employees might be complicit in the fraud.
According to the bank, the fraudsters have been creating a false sense of urgency, convincing the victims that their funds are in jeopardy.
The bank has been proactive in informing customers about the scam through various communication channels, but the situation’s gravity and the targeted demographic’s vulnerability have led to a call for heightened community awareness and law enforcement support.
Martha’s Vineyard Bank is now working closely with the Sheriff’s Office to protect the community from these deceptive practices and ensure the safety of its elder population’s financial assets.
Local authorities are urging residents, especially seniors, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
