What Are Social Engineering Scams?
Social engineering scams are when scammers use tricks to get people to give away private information or access to a device. These scams work because scammers will use emotions like trust, fear or urgency to trick people into making mistakes.
If you wouldn't give your financial information to a stranger on the street, why would you share it with someone online or over the phone?
Types of Social Engineering Scams
Scammers use many techniques to contact and trick people.
- Phishing: Scammers may send emails to trick you into clicking on bad links or sharing your personal information.
- Pretexting: Scammers will tell you a fake story to gain your trust and get information, often pretending it’s an emergency.
- Smishing: They'll send you text messages to try to make you respond or click links to give away your information.
- Vishing: These are phone scams where someone impersonates a company you know and trust. They'll ask you to share passwords, account numbers or your Social Security number.
- Baiting: Scammers may offer you something special in an email to make you download harmful software.
- Exchanging: Scammers offer a service in exchange for private information. They may look up personal details about you to seem more believable.
We’ll never ask you for your three-digit card security code (CVV). Please don’t ever share your PIN, one-time passcode (OTP), or Online and Mobile Banking password.
We may call you if there’s an issue or something we need to address with your account. If you ever feel uncomfortable and aren't sure, please call us back at (800) 462-8328.
Warning Signs To Watch Out For
Scammers make it their full-time job to take advantage of people. Watch out for these red flags:
- Sudden requests for private information.
- Messages that sound urgent or threatening, and pressure you to act quickly.
- Emails or calls from strange addresses or phone numbers.
- Messages with spelling mistakes or odd language.
- Offers that seem too good to be true, especially if they want you to pay them or share your personal information.
Tips To Stay Safe
You play a big part in protecting yourself from scams. Here are some tips:
- Slow down and don't let anyone rush you.
- Verify information by relying on official websites or phone numbers.
- Be cautious and don't click on links from unknown senders.
- Use two-step verification for extra account protection.
- Check your accounts regularly for unusual activity.
- Keep your devices updated with the latest security software.
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 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Contact your local police department and file a report.
We hope this information helps you stay safe from social engineering scams. Always stay alert and protect your information.