Consumer Online Security
Current Scams
Phishing
Every day, thousands of people fall for fraudulent emails, texts, and calls from scammers pretending to be a bank. These are commonly referred to as phishing scams. The communication is designed to trick you into providing confidential information (like account numbers, passwords, PINS, or birthdays) either online or over the phone to someone pretending to be a bank employee.
Imposter
Imposter scams often begin with a call, text message, or email. The scams may vary but work the same way – a scammer pretends to be someone you trust, often a government agent, family member, or someone who promises to fix your computer – to convince you to send them money or share personal information.
Money Mule Scams
If someone sends you money and asks you to send it to someone else, STOP. You could be what some people call a money mule – some scammers use to transfer and launder stolen money.
General Security Guidelines
- Never share your username, password, or secure access code.
- Do not use public or unsecured computers for logging into online banking.
- Always log off your online banking session before leaving your computer or device, and close all browser windows when done with an online banking session.
- Do not access your banking on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Use security alert features.
Tips to spot Phishing scams, spyware, or malware
- If you receive an email, text, or phone call asking for confidential information, it’s a definite red flag. It’s better to be safe than sorry. End the call, delete the text, and delete the email because banks never ask that.
- You may be asked to verify confidential information if you call your bank, but never the other way around. If you receive an incoming call from someone claiming to be your bank, the safest thing you can do is hang up and call your bank.
- If you receive a suspicious email or text, do not download any attachments in the message. Attachments may contain malware such as viruses, worms, or spyware.
- Do not click links that appear in the message. Links in phishing messages direct you to fraudulent websites.
- Do not reply to the sender. Ignore any requests from the sender and do not call any phone numbers provided in the message.
Tips to Prevent Fraud
- Check your accounts regularly.
- Sign up for Alerts to help you detect suspicious activity.
- If you see suspicious activity on your accounts, contact your branch immediately.
- Never provide personal information, access to your computer to anyone based on unsolicited calls, text, or emails.
- Do not download attachments or click links you don’t recognize in your email.
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