Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to steal personal and financial information. One of the most common tactics is sending fake bank alerts by text message, email, or phone call. These messages often claim there is suspicious activity on your account and urge you to act immediately. Their goal is to create a sense of panic so you'll share sensitive information before stopping to think.
How These Scams Work
You may receive a message claiming your debit card was used for a suspicious purchase, your online banking account has been locked, or unusual activity has been detected.
The message may ask you to click a link, call a phone number, or provide personal information to verify your identity. While these messages may appear legitimate, scammers are becoming increasingly skilled at making communications look like they come from trusted organizations.
In many cases, the goal isn't just to collect information, it's to gain access to your accounts. This is known as account takeover fraud. Once scammers obtain login credentials, they may attempt to access online banking, change contact information, make unauthorized transactions, or lock customers out of their own accounts. That's why it's so important to protect your passwords, one-time passcodes, and other account information. If someone requests this information, it is a red flag and you should contact us right away.
When Something Doesn’t Feel Right
One of the biggest warning signs is urgency. Scammers want you to act quickly before you have time to think through the situation. They may claim your account has been compromised, insist that immediate action is required, or request sensitive information.
Be cautious of messages that contain suspicious links or attachments or encourage you to click a link to "verify" or "secure" your account. Even if a phone number, email address, or text message appears legitimate, it may not be. Scammers can manipulate contact information to make communications appear trustworthy. When something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts.
How to Protect Yourself
Protecting yourself starts with slowing down and verifying before you respond. If you receive an unexpected email, text message, or phone call, take a moment to evaluate the request before taking action.
Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, never share passwords or one-time security codes, and use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Enabling multifactor authentication whenever it is available can add another layer of protection.
Bonvenu Bank also encourages customers to review their account activity regularly and report suspicious communications or unauthorized transactions as soon as possible. The sooner potential fraud is identified, the faster we can take action to help protect your accounts.
We're Here to Help
Phishing scams continue to evolve, but awareness remains one of your best defenses. Taking a few extra moments to verify a message before responding can help protect your accounts and personal information.
If you receive a suspicious text, email, or phone call claiming to be from a financial institution, do not respond, click links, or provide personal information. Instead, contact us directly at 888-861-0515 or visit one of our convenient local branches.
Protecting our customers is a priority, and we're here to help you stay one step ahead of fraud.
Want to learn more? Visit our Resources page for additional information on fraud prevention, cybersecurity awareness, and protecting your financial information.
