Spot & Avoid Bank Scams: Phishing Protection Guide
Recognize common banking scams, phishing attacks, and social engineering tactics. Learn to protect your accounts and personal information.
Common Bank Scams
Phishing Emails/Texts
Fake "urgent" messages asking you to click links or provide credentials.
Fake Tech Support
Callers claiming to be from your bank asking for passwords/PINs.
Check Overpayment
Fake checks with requests to return "overpayment" before check bounces.
Romance Scams
Online relationships leading to requests for money transfers.
ATM Skimming
Devices attached to card readers to steal your PIN/card data.
Red Flags to Watch
Urgency pressure: "Act now or your account will be closed!"
Unsolicited contact asking for sensitive information.
Generic greetings ("Dear Customer" vs your actual name).
Poor grammar, spelling errors in official communications.
Requests to bypass normal bank procedures.
Links to suspicious URLs (not your bank's official domain).
Protection Strategies
Verify Everything
Call your bank directly using the number on your card/statements.
Use Official Channels
Log in through bookmarked URLs or official mobile apps only.
Enable Alerts
Set up transaction notifications for immediate fraud detection.
Monitor Accounts
Check statements regularly; report suspicious activity immediately.
Secure Your Info
Never share PINs, passwords, or SSNs via phone/email.
If You're Targeted
Immediate Actions
- • Don't click any links or download attachments
- • Don't provide any personal information
- • End the call/delete the message
- • Contact your bank directly
If Already Compromised
- • Change passwords immediately
- • Review recent transactions
- • File fraud reports with bank/police
- • Monitor credit reports
Remember: Legitimate banks will never ask for passwords, PINs, or sensitive information via phone/email.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if an email is really from my bank?
Check the sender domain, look for personalization, and verify by calling directly.
What if I accidentally clicked a phishing link?
Don't enter any information. Close the page, change passwords, and monitor accounts.
Are banking apps safer than websites?
Generally yes—apps are harder to fake and use additional security layers.