Unfortunately, anyone can be targeted by fraudulent emails, calls or text messages. We want our customers to be informed, alert and protect themselves from these various scams.
Phishing Scams Explained
Phishing is when a scammer sends an email to an unsuspecting consumer. That fraudulent email might look just like a legitimate bank email (right down to the company logo), but in fact it’s forgery. If the consumer falls for the bait (thus the “fishing” reference), the thief could get credit card numbers, PINs, expiration dates, credit union/bank account numbers and even Social Security numbers.
With enough information, a con artist can run up fraudulent bills or even steal a person’s identity. Be on the lookout for any financial institution email that requests your personal or financial information. No financial institution will make that kind of request online. The Bank of Romney will never send you an email requesting information, personal or financial. If you receive an email asking for this type of information, contact The Bank of Romney directly for verification.
Vishing Scams Explained
Vishing is similar to phishing, except by phone — either in person or by an automated phone system. These criminals will claim to be from the financial institution whose customers are being targeted. They will request the same type of personal and account information.
The criminals behind these scams simply blast a large number of emails (or automated calls) out to the public hoping to hook unsuspecting consumers. Of course, they are hoping someone will actually respond with their personal account information.
Smishing Scams Explained
Smishing is just like phishing and vishing. It is text-message fraud that occurs when criminals, posing as financial institutions, attempt to dupe mobile-phone users into giving personal information through text messages, calling a telephone number or visiting a fraudulent website. Education and diligence are among the best ways to protect yourself against such fraudulent activities.
Ways to Avoid Being Phished, Vished, Smished or Scammed
Phishing scams are prevalent and growing rapidly. Here are a few tips to help you avoid getting hooked by one.
- Keep your digital banking credentials private. Only you should have access to your online or mobile banking. Misuse of your information can lead to fund transfers, account lockouts, or fraudulent account applications.
- Ignore unsolicited emails asking for personal or account information. Do not respond or click on any links in such messages.
- Do not share personal information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate financial institutions will not request personal information via email or phone if they already do business with you.
- Be cautious of messages asking for debit card or bank details. Verify their authenticity by contacting your financial institution directly.
- Verify email/website addresses and phone numbers with a trusted source, not the contact information provided in the suspicious message.
- Avoid fraudulent sites by entering web addresses directly or using your bookmarks.
- If you’ve shared personal account information fraudulently, contact your financial institution immediately to protect your accounts, block cards, and complete a fraud affidavit.