Phishing Scam Tips

Source: American Bankers Association®

The American Bankers Association, as part of their “Banks Never Ask That” campaign, have identified the top four phishing scams, as well as tips to help you learn how to spot a scam and what to do if you become a victim of a phishing attack:

• EMAIL SCAMS: These account for 96% of all phishing attacks, and are often disguised to look and sound like it’s coming from your financial institution.
  • Tip #1: Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links – Emails that pressure you to click on a link to verify your login credentials or make a payment are a scam. Before you click, hover over the link to reveal where it leads, and if you’re ever in doubt call your Bank directly or visit their website by typing in the URL directly into your browser.
  • Tip #2: Scare Tactics are a Red Flag – Scare tactics such as demands for “urgent action” and other high-pressure language are a sign of a scam. Never reply to these emails with your personal information like your password, PIN, or social security number.
  • Tip #3: Be Skeptical of Every Email – Scammers will often use official language and logos, and can sometimes even share similar URLs as your trusted financial institutions. Always treat incoming emails as a potential risk by being alert and carefully reviewing the information sent.
  • Tip #4: Watch for attachments and typos – PDF attachments, misspellings, and poor grammar are all signs of a phishing scam.
• PHONE CALL SCAMS: Scammers will try to impersonate your Bank over the phone and can appear either friendly and helpful or threatening in order to get your personal information.
  • Tip #1: Beware of False Senses of Urgency – Language such as “act now or your account will be closed,” or “we’ve detected suspicious activity on your account,” are signs of a scam. Try to remain calm and don’t give into the pressure over the phone.
  • Tip #2: Never Give Sensitive Information – Banks may need to verify your personal information if YOU call THEM, but never the other way around. Never share your password, PIN, or one-time login code with someone who calls you unexpectedly.
  • Tip #3: Don’t Rely on Caller ID – Scammers are able to make any number or name appear on your caller ID.
  • Tip #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Hang Up – Even if it sounds legitimately like your Bank, you can make sure that an unexpected call is not a scam by hanging up and dialing the number on the back of your Bank card directly.
• TEXT MESSAGE SCAMS: Texts that attempt to trick you into sharing your personal information like your password, PIN, or social security number are another common Phishing Scam. As long as you delete these messages instead of responding, your information is safe.
  • Tip #1: Slow Down and Think – If the text message is using high-pressure language or scare tactics, remain calm and don’t act too quickly. Remember that Banks will never ask for access to your Bank account or personal information via text.
  • Tip #2: Don’t Click Links – Never click on a link sent via text, especially if it asks you to click to sign into your Bank account. When in doubt, visit your Bank’s website by typing the URL directly into your browser or login to your Bank’s mobile app.
  • Tip #3: Never Send Personal Information – Your Bank will never ask for your PIN, password, or one-time login code via text.
  • Tip #4: Delete the Message – Don’t risk accidentally replying or saving a fraudulent text message, and instead delete it immediately. If you are reporting the message, take a screenshot to share, then delete it.
• MOBILE PAYMENT APP SCAMS: these scams use payment apps such as Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.
  • Tip #1: Be Wary of Texts or Calls About Payment Apps – If you get an unexpected call or text about a payment app, hang up or delete it. Verify the call by calling your Bank or the payment app’s customer service number directly.
  • Tip #2: Use Payment Apps to Pay Friends and Family Only – Don’t send money to someone you don’t know through payment apps.
  • Tip #3: Urgent Payment Requests are a Red Flag – Threats to close your account or use of legal action are a scammers attempt to get you to act quickly and without thinking.
  • Tip #4: Avoid Unusual Payment Methods – Banks will never as you to pay bills using a payment app, or ask you to send money to yourself. When in doubt, reach out to your Bank directly.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FALL FOR A PHISHING SCAM?

If you clicked on a link, entered or shared any personal information like your username and password into a fake site, over the phone, or via a phony payment app…

• Go to IdentityTheft.gov to see what steps to take, including how to monitor your credit.
• Chang your password.
• Contact your Bank.
• File a police report if you lost money.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).

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