Knowing how to identify scams and what you can do to protect yourself is important. Especially when the scammer is impersonating your bank.
How to spot a bank impersonation scam
Receiving a message from your bank alerting you to fraudulent activity can be scary. Your instinct might be to act quickly, so you click the links and follow the instructions. Unfortunately, what looks like a genuine alert from your bank can often be a scam. And following the instructions in these messages can put your accounts at risk.
What is a bank impersonation scam?
A bank impersonation scam is when a scammer contacts you pretending to be your bank. They do this through cold calls, email, or SMS text message. The scammer may ask you to click links or install software. They might also ask for your personal information. They then use this information to access your accounts and steal your money.
Red flags for bank impersonation scams
· Asking you to click on links in SMS text messages or emails
· The request appears urgent or threatening
· Any request for sensitive or personal information
· Instructions to install software or transfer money
How to protect yourself
At Bendigo Bank, we constantly track scam threats, putting control measures in place to help keep your accounts safe. Staying alert and knowing what to look out for can help protect you from bank impersonation scams.
• If you receive a message or call from your bank, take a moment and ask yourself could this be a scam?
• Never click links in text messages or emails claiming to be from your bank. Always use your bank’s official website to login to your accounts.
• Look out for changes in caller IDs or call locations.
Your friendly team at Community Bank Sarina are here for you, helping you to stay safe from scams. For more information, or to pick up a complimentary Scam Protection Guide, call 4943 2634 or visit us at 37 Broad Street, Sarina.