Protect yourself by educating yourself about fraudulent activities!
Common Types of Fraud & Scams
Phishing
Fraudulent emails or texts that mimic legitimate financial institutions and organizations to steal sensitive information.
Account Takeover
Scammers gain control of your online banking to make unauthorized transactions.
Check Fraud
Forging, altering, or counterfeiting checks to drain funds.
Bank Imposter Scams
Scammers pretend to be financial institution employees, urgently calling or texting to alert you of “suspicious activity” requiring immediate action so they can obtain your confidential information.
Skimming
Devices placed on terminals to steal card data, which allows them to use the card online or clone it.
Identifying Red Flags & How to Protect Yourself
Keep an eye out for some of these common indicators that you may be dealing with a scam and what to do:
Overpayment Claims
• A sender claims they are going to or have accidentally overpaid you and wants you to send the excess amount back.
► Question why you are receiving this money and if it is coming from someone you know and trust. Do not agree to this type of transaction.
Unusual Email Addresses, Phone Numbers, or Caller ID
• The email address, phone number, or caller ID doesn’t match the organization the person claims to be with, or you weren’t expecting any communication from them.
► Call your phone number for your financial institution. If you do not have one, search for it on their website. Do not call the number provided to you in the message.
Spelling Mistakes or Odd Grammar
• These are often clear indicators of an impersonator!
Scare Tactics
• Scammers will use tactics to create a sense of urgency and pressure in hopes that you will not question them.
► Slow down and be skeptical! You can always hang up and verify communication from your financial institution.
Suspicious Links
• Financial institutions will not send you a link to login to your online banking via email or text. Scammers can set up URLs to copy your login information.
► Never click links that you were not expecting!
Unexpected Attachments, Requests or Calls
• Financial institutions will not send an email attachment unless you request a document. Attachments can have malware that can compromise your computer or personal computer.
• Financial institution representatives will only reach out to you during business hours, and rarely without you initiating contact.
• Be cautious about unexpected requests from strangers or organizations, or even unsolicited prize winnings.
► Be skeptical and ask yourself if you have entered a reputable contest or requested any documents recently. Search and call the phone number of the organization you were originally in contact with to confirm communication.
► If it’s too good to be true, it usually isn’t.
Asking for Personal Information
• Be extremely cautious when giving out personal information such as account numbers, PINs, passwords, or social security numbers.
► Your financial institution will not contact you asking for your personal information. When you call your institution, they will ask that you confirm information which is already on file!
Other Ways to Protect Yourself
• Keep your contact information up to date. Let your financial institution know when there is a change of address, phone number, or email address.
• Notify your financial institution when you plan on traveling.
For more information about fraudulent activity and scams, check out the following websites:
