A cyber scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving away personal information or money. Scammers pretend to be someone you trust, like a company, a friend or family member to get you to act quickly without thinking.
The good news? You can stop most scams before they start.
Recognize the Red Flags
Scammers use different tricks to get your information or money. Here’s how they usually do it — and what you should watch out for:
- Phishing messages: Fake emails or texts asking you to click a link or share info. The link could load spyware on your phone or computer.
- Fake phone calls: Someone says there’s a problem with your account or payment.
- Social media scams: Posts offering prizes, deals or urgent warnings.
- Look-alike websites: Sites that copy real companies or government agencies.
- Fake utility company: Calls or text messages saying you’re late on a payment.
Ways To Stay Safe
You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe. Try these simple steps:
- Use strong passwords. Make them long and use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.
- Don’t reuse passwords. Use a different password for each account.
- Turn on two-step verification. This adds an extra layer of security.
- Think before you click. Don’t click links or download files from people you don’t know.
- Keep your devices updated. Updates help protect against new threats.
- Check your accounts often. Look for anything that doesn’t seem right.
- Don’t share personal info, especially your Social Security number, unless you know who you’re speaking with.
- Never share your passwords or account numbers. We won’t ask you for this information.
- Limit what you share online. Avoid posting your birthday, address or other private details on social media.
If Something Feels Off
You play a big part in protecting yourself from scams. Here are some tips:
- Pause and think about it. If you get a message or call that feels urgent or strange, take a moment to think.
- Verify the request. Contact the company or person directly using a trusted phone number or website.
- Report the scam. If you think you’ve been targeted, tell someone you trust and report it to the company or organization involved.
What To Do if You’ve Been Scammed
If you think you've shared information with a scammer, act quickly:
- Call us right away at (800) 462-8328. If your account with another financial institution is impacted, contact them as soon as possible.
- Change your passwords, especially for banking and payment applications.
- Report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Contact your local police department and file a report.
Every smart step you take helps protect your information. Trust your instincts, stay alert and remember — you’re the first line of defense against scams.