Bank Employee Imposter Scams

You get a phone call from someone who says they work for your bank; your account has been hacked, and they need your login ID and password to stop your account from being emptied.  They say you must hurry, or you’ll lose everything. What do you do? Is this a real emergency or an imposter trying to steal your information?

This scary situation is happening every day to bank customers around the globe; it’s called an imposter scam and it’s the newest way fraudsters are getting their hands on your money.

In an imposter phishing scam, fraudsters use phone calls, emails, or text messages that appear legitimate. They can fake caller ID or email addresses to make it seem like the message is coming from your bank, a government agency, or law enforcement. You might receive a message warning of suspicious activity on your account or asking you to verify information to avoid a hold or penalty.

Why? To get you to give up information like your account number, login ID, passcodes, one-time tokens, or other secret login measure you use to access your accounts.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Verify the source. If you receive an unexpected request for personal information, don’t respond directly. Instead, contact your bank using a known, trusted phone number.
• Watch for urgency. Scammers often try to create panic or pressure. Be cautious of messages that demand immediate action.
• Check for red flags. Look out for spelling errors, generic greetings (like “Dear Customer”), or unusual requests.
• Never share passwords or verification codes. Your banker will never call, text, or email you and ask you to share that information 

If you believe you’ve received a phishing message or think your information has been compromised, contact your bank immediately. Staying informed and cautious is the best way to keep your accounts secure.