Stay One Step Ahead: Simple Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud

Many scams begin with an unexpected phone call, text message, email, or social media message. Be cautious if someone:

• Creates a sense of urgency and pressures you to act immediately.
• Asks for your account number, password, PIN, or verification code.
• Tells you to move your money to a "safe" account.
• Requests payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other unusual methods. 
• Claims to be from your bank but asks you to provide information they should already have.
• Offers a prize, job, investment opportunity, or refund that seems too good to be true.

Your Bank Will Never Ask You to Do Certain Things:

Scammers often pretend to be your financial institution. They may even know some of your personal information, making the call or message seem legitimate.

Remember: your bank will not ask you to give them your password or one-time verification code, nor will a legitimate bank employee instruct you to transfer money to protect it from fraud.

If something feels unusual, stop and contact your bank using a trusted phone number - not a number provided in a suspicious message.

Take a Moment Before You Act:

Scammers want you to react quickly. Before sending money, clicking on a link, or sharing information, take a step back.

Ask Yourself:

• Was I expecting this message?
• Does this request make sense?
• Who am I really communicating with?
• Can I independently verify the request?

Taking a few extra minutes could save you from a costly mistake.

When in Doubt, Reach Out:

Your community bank is here to help. If you receive a suspicious message, notice unusual activity on your account, or simply aren't sure whether something is legitimate, contact your bank before taking action.