Tioga State Bank warns about phishing scam using its name

SPENCER, N.Y. — Tioga State Bank, which has 11 branch offices in the Southern Tier, today warned consumers about scammers using its name.

“Over the weekend of October 15-16, several people, both customers and non-customers, in our area received messages as part of a phishing scam that appeared to have come from Tioga State Bank,” the bank, which is based in Spencer in Tioga County, said in a news release.

Tioga State Bank does not know exactly how many people, or customers, received the phishing messages, Sarah Rayle, the bank’s marketing manager, told BJNN in a follow-up email.

Phishing involves trying to obtain financial or other personal data from consumers typically through an email, text message, or phone call that appears to be from a legitimate financial institution.

“Tioga State Bank’s systems have not been compromised. Scammers have gained access to a list of phone numbers of both customers and non-customers from an outside source unaffiliated with Tioga State Bank. They are contacting both customers and non-customers using our name to try and appear legitimate and generate response. This is a phishing scam,” Laura Ryan, Tioga State Bank’s information security officer, said in the news release. “If you receive the message, do not respond. We recommend that those who receive a message delete them and block the number. If you did respond to the message, contact your bank’s fraud center or customer service center immediately. The phone number for Tioga State Bank’s Customer Service Center is 1-888-303-4872.”

The bank also posted a warning at the top of its website home page in a yellow banner, stating, “Attention Customers: If you receive a message or call from 347-218-4082 claiming to be Tioga State Bank, disregard the message. Please do not call or reply. This is not Tioga State Bank.”

Tioga State Bank has $452 million in total assets and $356 million in total deposits, according to FDIC data as of June 30. The bank has two branches each in Binghamton and Owego, plus one branch each in Candor, Endwell, Newfield, Spencer, Van Etten, Vestal, and Waverly, according to its website.

Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com