Fraud Awareness

Fraud encompasses actions that can cause serious financial losses for individuals, businesses, and financial institutions. It is a serious crime that can occur in many different forms, ranging from simple check fraud to complex schemes such as identity theft and money laundering. Some of the most common types of fraud include counterfeiting, check fraud, identity theft, loan scams, credit card fraud and phishing.

When a criminal has access to an individual’s personal information, they can use that info to pretend to be them. This can cause all sorts of trouble, like hurting their credit score, and can even damage their reputation.

Understanding the types of bank fraud and the examples of each is an important step toward protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

If you feel like you may be a victim of a scam contact us immediately at 888-651-7466 or stop into any of our locations.

Unusual Email Address

Does the email address look like one the bank would use? Be wary of unexpected emails from addresses that aren’t like the ones your bank typically sends.

Misspelled Words

If you see misspelled words or bad grammar, they are danger signs.

Scare Tactics

If an email uses scare tactics, you can safely assume it’s a scam.

Suspicious URLs

We will never ask you to log in via email. Phishing emails use deceptive URLs to take you to malicious websites. Never click links that you weren’t expecting.

Unexpected Attachments

Attachments can contain malware that compromise your personal information.

Strange Phone Numbers

Legit text message updates come from an official 4-5 digit number used by your bank.

Urgent Warnings or Requests

Phishing texts try to create a sense of panic. Legitimate bank texts won’t.

Odd Grammar or Spelling Mistakes

If you see misspelled words or bad grammar they are all signs of fraud.

Requests for Personal Information

If a text message requests sensitive information, you can assume it’s a scam.

Suspicious Links

If it seems suspicious – don’t click them. Instead, verify the message by visiting your bank’s official website, or calling the number on the back of your card.

Unusual Caller ID

While caller ID can be spoofed, legitimate calls from your bank are more likely to display an official phone number or a known identifier. If not, be very skeptical.

Scare Tactics or Threats

Phishing calls rely on a sense of urgency. If the caller pressures you into immediate action or threatens negative consequences, just hang up and call the number on the back of your bank card.

Asking for Personal Information

Banks will rarely ask for your account number, PIN, or password during a phone call — and will never ask for a one-time login code. Never share such confidential details unless you’ve called the number on the back of your bank card.

Calling you unexpectedly

Be very skeptical of calls you receive. Normally, bank representatives will only reach out if you initiate contact first. Stay safe by ending the call and dialing the number on the back of your bank card.

Unexpected Requests

Be cautious if you receive unexpected requests from strangers or organizations asking you to send money through a payment app. This is a scammer move.

Sending Money to Yourself

If someone who claims to be your bank says you have to send money to yourself, you can be 100% certain it’s a scam. Banks never ask that.

Overpayment Claims

Be skeptical if a sender claims to have accidentally overpaid you through Zelle® and requests a refund of the excess amount. Scammers use this tactic to trick you into sending them money.

Suspicious Links

If you receive a payment app-related message that contains a link, never click it. Scammers often send links to fake login pages to steal your username and password.

Pressure and Urgency

Scammers attempt to trick you by creating a sense of urgency. If they mention unforeseen emergencies, unverified transactions, account suspension, or unsolicited prize winnings, it’s a scam.

If you feel like you may be a victim of a scam contact us immediately.

Please contact us at 888-651-7466 or stop into any of our convenient locations.