At BankProv, we’re dedicated to protecting our customers from cyber-crime, identity theft and fraud. That’s why we’ve implemented multiple layers of security and fraud controls designed to safeguard your personal information and funds.
Each year, thousands of businesses lose money to phishing, imposter scams, and identity theft. If a hacker were pretending to be your bank, would you be able to tell? Scammers are getting creative and using companies like the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC), the IRS, and banks’ names to try to trick people into paying them — or sharing personal information. Someone might call, email, text, or message you on social media, claiming to be from a financial institution, Government Agency, or another business.
But here’s what to know:
- Businesses like your bank and the FTC will never demand money or personal information from you.
- The FTC will never threaten to arrest, deport, or punish you.
- Be suspicious of awards, grants, sweepstakes or lotteries.
- Only scammers will demand that you pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, money transfer, or cash.
- Don’t trust caller ID; scammers can make it look like they’re calling from anywhere, even the FTC.
Some Common Red Flags to be Aware of:
- The use of high-pressure language or a sense of urgency
- Asking for sensitive account info, your PIN or passwords, or your social security number
- Asking you to visit an unfamiliar website, or suspicious links
- Asking you to call a number different than the one listed on your card or statements
- Using incorrect grammar, multiple typos, or using unprofessional language
What to do if you Receive a Scam Email, Call or Text
Email or Text
If you suspect that an email or text you receive is a phishing attempt:
- Take a deep breath. In most cases, it’s perfectly safe to open a scam email or text. Modern mail apps, like Gmail, detect and block any code or malware from running when you open an email. The key is not to click links or download any attachments.
- Do not reply to the sender. Ignore any requests from the sender and do not call any phone numbers provided in the message.
- Report it. Help fight scammers by reporting them. If you got a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726). Then, report the phishing attack to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Call
If you receive a phone call that seems to be a phishing attempt:
- Hang up or end the call. Be aware that area codes can be misleading. If your Caller ID displays a local area code, this does not guarantee that the caller is local.
- Do not respond to the caller’s requests. Financial institutions and legitimate companies will never call you to request your personal information. Never give personal information to the incoming caller.
- If you feel you’ve been the victim of a scam, and you did provide personal or financial information, contact your bank immediately at their publicly listed customer service number. Often, this is found on the back of your bank card. Be sure to include any relevant details, such as whether the suspicious caller attempted to impersonate your bank and whether you provided any personal or financial information to the suspicious caller.
Remember: If someone says they’re calling from your bank, the FTC or another company and demands money or your personal or financial information, that’s a scam. If we ever reach out to you, we won’t ask for personal or financial information, or access codes through email, text, or unsolicited calls.
If you believe that an unauthorized transaction(s) has occurred from your Online Banking or bill pay account(s), contact the Bank immediately at 888-806-7768, or email us.
For more information, browse our resources and tips to protect your business from fraud and cybercrime.
Some scams recently reported to the FTC:
- The scammer says you’ve won a sweepstakes or lottery, but you must send money to collect.
- The scammer says your assets are frozen until you pay a fake debt, fine, or lien.
- The scammer says he’ll help you recover money you already lost in a scam.
- The scammer says she’s collecting back taxes or immigration fees.
- The scammer threatens to fine you, put you in prison, or take your property unless you pay.
- The scammer says they’re protecting you from being scammed.
- The scammer tells you to take money out of your bank account, tells you to wire money, get a gift card, or buy cryptocurrency.
- The scammer demands secrecy, tells you to act right away, and says you’re about to lose money.
Learn more about imposter scams at consumer.FTC.gov. And if you paid a scammer, get some steps to take so you can act quickly.