October is National Cybersecurity Month. At Armed Forces Bank, we’re always committed to ensuring our valued clients understand how to safeguard themselves against online scams and fraud. And this month, we’re focusing on making sure you know how to keep yourself safe -- especially when it comes to your finances.
We know that, when it comes to the internet, it can be hard to know what’s safe and what isn’t.
That’s why we’re sharing tips from Banks Never Ask That. Learn more about protecting yourself online and the things that banks will never ask you -- so you can spot a scam before it’s too late.
Are You at Risk of Cyberscams?
Each day, countless people become victims of cyberscams due to fraudulent emails, texts and calls. Scammers often target people by pretending to be their bank. With so many people using online banking and shopping online, the problem is getting worse and worse. But you can protect yourself from online scams when you know what to look for.
Armed Forces Bank is ready to help you spot those scams as an extra layer of protection for your account. We want all of our customers to become pros at spotting phishing scams -- and stop cyber criminals in their tracks.
It starts with these four words: Banks Never Ask That. Because when you know what sounds suspicious, you’ll be less likely to be fooled.
Especially during the holiday season, don’t let scammers fool you. For tips and tools, including videos, an interactive quiz and more, visit BanksNeverAskThat.com.
What’s Your Scam Score? Take five minutes to become a scamspotter pro by taking the #BanksNeverAskThat quiz. You can also share your score with your friends and family. Encourage them to test their scam savviness, too. The more scamspotters out there, the harder it is for phishing criminals to catch their next victim.
Banks Never Ask That
Remember: As your bank, we would never ask you for the following in an email, text, or phone call:
- Account Number
- Social Security Number
- Contact Information
- Passwords or PINs
What if you receive an email, text, or phone call asking for any of this information? Just know this is a definite red flag. It’s better to be safe than sorry. End the call, delete the text, and trash the email...because banks never ask that.
And these steps can keep you safe when it comes to your personal and/or financial information:
- Always think twice before clicking
- Monitor your accounts frequently for suspicious activity
- Always create strong and unique login IDs and passwords
- Know the best practices for wire transfers or use alternate options like Zelle® through Digital Banking for sending money
*Note: You may be asked to verify confidential information if you call us, but rarely the other way around. If you’re ever in doubt that a bank call is legitimate, or if a caller pressures you to stay on the line and provide bank information right away or something bad will happen, it is a scam. Hang up and call the number on the back of your bank card to talk to a real employee.
What Are the Red Flags to Watch Out For?
Phishing is the most reported cyber scam. With phishing, cybercriminals attempt to get you to enter your personal information while disguised as something else. And in many cases, they may disguise themselves as your bank.
Keep yourself safe by looking out for these phishing red flags:
- Asking for a PIN
- Asking for SSNs
- Sharing a “one-time code”
- Asked to download an attachment
- Forms to fill out
- Misspelled words
- Asking for addresses
- Using scare tactics
- Asking for birthdays
What if you’re suspicious that an email or text message you’ve received is a phishing attempt? Here’s what you should do:
- 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.
- Report it. Help fight scammers by reporting them. Forward suspected phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. If you got a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726)*. Then, report the phishing attack to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
And here’s what to do if you receive a phone call that seems to be a phishing attempt:
- Hang up or end the call.
- Do not respond to the caller’s requests. Never give personal information to the incoming caller.
- If you feel you’ve been the victim of a scam, 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 any personal or financial information was provided to the suspicious caller.
Armed Forces Bank Has Your Back
At Armed Forces Bank, your security is our top priority. Not sure whether a text message, email, or phone call is legitimate? Get in contact with us and we’ll work with you to ensure your accounts and personal information remain secure.
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**Mobile carrier fees may apply.