Banks Never Ask That! Fraud Prevention
According the American Bankers Association, in 2022, scammers stole over $8.8 billion from regular people like you! To safeguard yourself from falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to recognize the red flags of phishing attempts in emails, calls, and texts:
- They ask you to open a link
- They use urgent or fear-inducing language
- They send an attachment
- They request personal information like PINs, passwords, or social security numbers
- They pressure you to log into, or send money with, payment apps.
If you receive an email, text, or call that raises suspicion, it’s best to hang up and call your bank using a phone number listed on their official website. This not only helps verify any fraudulent activity but also alerts the bank about potential spoofing of their phone numbers and emails.
Bankers Never Ask That!
Your banker will never send you an email or text claiming your account has been suspended or locked. Despite their convincing nature, these messages often contain the last four digits of your account number. If you encounter such a message with a link, reach out to your bank directly to check for any fraudulent activity and report the scam message.
Your bank will never call and request your PIN number for an account. Even if the caller ID appears familiar, it can be spoofed. Hang up immediately and dial your bank’s official phone number listed on their website to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
Furthermore, your bank will never ask you to verify your username or password via email or text. If you receive such a request, refrain from clicking any links or responding to the message. Instead, contact your bank directly to inquire about any potentially fraudulent activity on your accounts.
If you receive a call or message alleging that your account has been hacked, consider it a red flag. Disconnect the call and contact the number provided on the back of your debit or credit card, or use the phone number listed on your bank’s official website to confirm the authenticity of the communication and check for any actual fraudulent activity.
By remaining vigilant and knowing what information your bank will never ask for, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Stay informed and keep your finances secure!
For another perspective from the American Bankers Association, visit their site which is dedicated directly to this topic at, https://www.banksneveraskthat.com/