Fraud Prevention
Fraudsters are getting better and better at making their scams hard to spot. Here are some tips to help you learn how to spot phony texts, emails, phone calls and check scams!
TOP TIPS
- Never share your PIN or Password
- Beware of scare tactics – demands for urgent action are a red flag to a scam.
- Be cautious of suspicious links
- Watch for misspelled words in communications (emails, text messages, websites, etc.)
- Never give someone control of your computer, mobile phone or online banking account.
- If you suspect the call to be fraud – hang up and call your local office.
USE AVAILABLE TOOLS TO LOCK DOWN YOUR ACCOUNTS:
- Use two-factor authentication on accounts when available
- Use random or complex passwords
- Keep your browsers up to date with the latest defenses
- Keep the operating system on your phone, computer, etc. updated
- Sign up for text alerts in the CB2Go app
Be Alert
In the same way defensive driving prevents car accidents, always treating incoming email as a potential risk will protect you from scams. Fraudulent emails can appear very convincing, using official language and logos, and even similar URLs. Always be alert.
- Carefully check the sender’s email address. Scammers will often change the email address by one letter or character.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links
- Be aware of scare tactics and threats. Demands for urgent action should be a red flag.
- Watch for attachments and typos.
- Be careful when using the phone number provided in an email. It’s best to verify the phone number before using.
- Large companies will not contact you and request control of your pc or request online banking information.
- Don’t rely on caller ID – scammers can make any number or name appear on your caller ID.
- Never give sensitive information. When someone calls you unexpectedly, never share sensitive information like your bank password, PIN, or a one-time login code – even if they say they’re from your bank. Banks may need to verify personal information if you call them, but never the other way around.
- If there are any red flags, hang up and call the number of your local bank office to confirm the request.
- Slow down – think before you act. Acting too quickly when you receive phishing text messages can result in unintentionally giving scammers access to your bank account – and your money. Scammers want you to feel confused and rushed. We will never threaten you into responding or use high-pressure tactics.
- Never click on a link sent via text message – especially if it asks you to sign into your bank account.
- Never send personal information via text
- Zelle Security
- You should never send money using Mobile Payment Systems like Zelle to:
- Anyone who claims to be from a government agency
- Any stranger, no matter what reason they give
- A telemarketer trying to sell you something
- Anyone claiming your account is compromised
- Unauthorized, unverified cryptocurrency sites or salespeople
- Anyone asking you to send money to yourself
Did you:
- Win a prize and were told to send back taxes and fees?
- Get paid as a secret shopper and were told to wire back money?
- Sell an item online and the buyer insists on using Zelle or overpays?
- Asked to send a small amount to someone in order to receive a larger amount?
And then you:
- Got a check
- Were asked to send money
- Were told an overpayment occurred then asked to send a portion back
Here’s what to do:
- Talk to someone you trust and contact your bank before you act.
- Never take a check for more than your selling price.
- Never send money back to someone who sent you a check.
- Sign up for text alerts in the CB2Go app.