OPEN AN ACCOUNT ONLINE 
04/05/2023: Avoid Phishing Scams
Staying Safe: Fraud Prevention and Recognizing Phishing Scams
In today’s digital age, protecting your financial information and personal data is more important than ever. Cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new tactics to steal your information and commit fraud. One of the most common methods used is phishing scams. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what phishing scams are, how to recognize them and share some practical tips to help you stay safe from these threats.
What is a Phishing Scam?
Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, or social security numbers by pretending to be a trustworthy entity. They often use email, phone calls, or text messages to trick unsuspecting individuals into providing their personal information. How to Recognize Phishing Scams Unexpected Requests: Be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information, especially if they claim to be from your bank, credit card company, or other trusted organizations.
- Suspicious Links: Before clicking on any links in an email, hover your cursor over the link to check the destination URL. If it doesn’t match the expected website or looks suspicious, don’t click on it.
- Urgent Language: Phishing scams often use urgent language, such as “immediate action required” or “your account has been compromised,” to pressure you into providing your information.
- Generic Greetings: Phishing emails may use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” or “Dear Account Holder” instead of addressing you by your name.
- Spelling and Grammar Errors: Look for spelling or grammatical errors in the message, as these can be a telltale sign of a phishing attempt.
- Unofficial Email Addresses: Check the sender’s email address carefully. If it doesn’t come from the official domain of the organization they claim to represent, it’s likely a scam.
Fraud Prevention Tips:
- Keep Your Computer and Devices Secure: Ensure that your devices have the latest security updates and antivirus software to protect against malware and other threats.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create complex and unique passwords for each of your online accounts, and consider using a password manager to help you remember them.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online accounts for an extra layer of security.
- Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information like online banking while using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be less secure.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest phishing scams and fraud prevention techniques to protect yourself and your finances.
Fraud prevention and recognizing phishing scams is essential for safeguarding your personal information and financial assets. By staying vigilant and following the tips outlined above, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to these ever-evolving cyber threats. As a community bank, we are committed to helping you stay safe and secure online. If you ever receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team for assistance (844-722-6589).
Loading ...
