MBA Thumbprint Signature Program – Order Your Supplies!

Check fraud costs banks and their customers millions of dollars each year. Through the MBA Thumbprint Signature Program, banks can send a clear message to criminals that check fraud will not be tolerated. How can Thumbprint Signature help you?

• Non-accountholders asking to cash a check place an impression of their thumbprint on the face of the check using a small “inkless” touch pad.
• Thumbprint Signature is a natural deterrent — criminals seeking to commit check fraud are unlikely to put their thumbprints on bogus checks.
• The thumbprint signature can be used by law enforcement agencies in the investigation of claims made by accountholders. It dramatically speeds up the investigation’s identification process.
• Even with the implementation of Check 21, the program continues to be a valuable resource in fighting fraud.
• Thumbprint Signature is an inexpensive way to prevent fraud without inconveniencing customers.

Materials, which feature the Thumbprint Signature logo printed in red and black, include:

• Touch pads: These have a shelf life of 18 months or a minimum of 500 impressions.
• Teller window display: Post these 6 x 3-inch “tent-style” display signs at your teller windows as an additional reminder that you participate in the program.
• Statement suffers: These 3 ½ x 7 ½ -inch brochures explain the mechanics of the program. Send them as a public service announcement to all your accountholders, and make sure you have enough on hand for anyone who might have questions about the program.
• Decals: Post decals at all entrances to let customers know you are participating in the program and to warn potential criminals that their crimes will not go undetected.

Click to download an order form.

Contact
Peter Blanchard – with questions on the Thumbprint Signature Program
Telephone: (617) 523-7595
Fax: (617) 523-5960
or
Pat Tabolsky – to order supplies
Telephone: (617) 523-7595
Fax: (617) 523-5960

Educate Your Elderly Customers about Financial Abuse

Two Brochures are Available

Massachusetts Bank Reporting Project

Every year, scores of senior citizens fall victim to financial abuse at the hands of con artists, bogus charities, unscrupulous contractors, and even abusive family members or acquaintances.  Over the past 12 years, the Massachusetts Bankers Association has spearheaded an effort to enlist the participation of financial institutions in the Massachusetts Bank Reporting Project, a public-private venture whereby banks may receive training to detect elder financial abuse and utilize a standard reporting protocol.

The Association wants to reminder you of the availability of two consumer brochures which banks and elder service agencies may use to educate elderly customers and clients regarding steps they can take to avoid becoming a victim of financial abuse.  The first brochure, Don’t Be a Victim—Protect Your Savings, provides tips for older citizens to protect themselves from financial exploitation.  The second brochure, entitled, Financial Exploitation of Seniors is More Common Than You Think, includes a perforated card with safety tips and the telephone number of the Elder Abuse Hotline, which seniors may contact in the case of financial abuse.  This tear-off wallet sized card is a handy reference tool.  These brochures serve to educate consumers as part of the Massachusetts Bank Reporting Project.

Also available is a laminated placard for tellers entitled, Warning Signs of Elder Financial Exploitation.  This placard may be posted at each teller station and will help tellers know what to look for when dealing with elderly customers who are prime targets for exploitation.

Widespread use of these brochures and the placard will serve to enhance relationships between banks, elder service agencies and elders while reducing the occurrence of financial exploitation in Massachusetts.  Click to download an order form. Or order online through the Association store.

If you have any questions about the Massachusetts Bank Reporting Project please contact Anne Carney at acarney@massbankers.org.