As fraud attempts are increasing against businesses and individuals across the globe, Patterson
Vet would like to partner with you, our customers, to prevent any loss. Below you will find an
explanation of a common fraud scheme and best practices in preventing loss. We hope to
highlight different common fraud schemes each month with your statement. If you have
questions about any of this content or would like to learn more, please feel free to reach out
to your Patterson Vet representative.
PHISHING
• Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails appearing to be from reputable
companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords
and credit card numbers.
• The best way to combat phishing is to be very skeptical of emails you receive asking for
personal information; be that by reply email, in a form, by following a link or calling an
unknown number.
• Patterson Veterinary will not ask you for your passwords ever, and if we need fi nancial
information such as credit card or bank information, we will not do so by E-Mail.
• If you are ever contacted by someone claiming to work for Patterson Veterinary that you do
not know, please feel free to stop communicating with them and validate that individual’s
relationship with our company with someone you do know.
• What to do if you provided sensitive information? If it was a password, change that password
and notify your IT department. If it was a credit card number call the card issuer. If it was bank
account information call the bank ASAP.
GENERAL FRAUD TIPS
• Fraud suspects gather a lot of information through public places before they commit their
fraud. They learn the names of real employees in key positions, use legitimate corporate letter
head or signature lines. They get a lot of information directly from their victims through ‘social
engineering’. Do not assume fraud attempts will be very obvious to spot.
• On the other extreme, things like bad grammar and spelling errors can be a red fl ag.
• Fraud suspects typically get victims to do something by adding a sense of urgency or pressure.
Spot when someone seems to be adding undue pressure and be skeptical of what they are
asking you to do.
• Sometimes suspects try and add a level of apparent legitimacy to their tactics by pretending
to be someone senior in an organization. Ask yourself – does this level of person typically talk
direct to me? If no, be very suspicious of the request.
• If you ever feel there is a fraud risk involving your relationship with Patterson Veterinary, reach
out to your representative. We want to partner with you to combat fraud together. We have
dedicated resources that investigate fraud and lower fraud risk.
• You can also report any concerns by contact us through Speak Up Patterson at
1-800-510-0450 or by visiting www.SpeakUpPatterson.com