Fraudsters Never Go On Vacation
Summer is a time for travel, celebration, and making memories—but it’s also a time when fraud attempts often increase. Fraudsters know that people are busy and may be less cautious when away from home or in vacation mode.
One common tactic involves fraudsters posing as financial institutions through text messages, emails, or phone calls. These messages may look legitimate and often create a false sense of urgency, pushing you to act quickly.
Be Aware of These Common Tactics:
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Unexpected texts or calls claiming to be from a bank or fraud department.
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Messages urging you to call a number or click a link to resolve an issue.
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Requests for personal information like account numbers, login credentials, or security codes.
How to Protect Yourself:
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Don’t click links or call numbers provided in unsolicited messages.
Fraudsters can make fake numbers and websites look real. -
Always use the contact information listed on your bank’s official website.
This is the safest way to reach a real bank representative. -
Never share sensitive information like account numbers, passwords, or security codes by text or over the phone.
Financial institutions will never ask for this information in that way. -
Pause and verify.
Scammers rely on catching you off guard. Take a moment to double-check before acting.
FAQs
How do I know if a text message or phone call is a scam?
Be cautious of any unexpected message that:
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Creates a sense of urgency.
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Asks you to click a link or call a number you’ve never seen.
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Requests personal or financial information.
When in doubt, hang up or ignore the text and contact your bank directly using the phone number on their official website.
Can scammers make their phone numbers look like my bank’s number?
Yes. This is called “spoofing.” Scammers can make it appear as if they’re calling or texting from a familiar number. This is why it’s so important to independently verify contact information.
What should I do if I accidentally provided my information?
Contact your bank immediately. They can help secure your accounts, reset credentials, and take steps to protect your information.
What does a real bank fraud alert look like?
Legitimate fraud alerts may notify you of suspicious activity, but they will not:
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Ask you to click a link to verify your identity.
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Ask for login credentials or security codes by text.
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Pressure you to act immediately without verifying.
If you’re unsure, contact your bank directly to confirm.
Where can I find the right number to call?
Always refer to your bank’s official website, debit or credit card, or a recent bank statement for accurate contact information.
What should I do if I responded to a fraudulent text message or phone call?
If you’ve already responded to a suspicious message or provided personal information, don’t panic—take the following steps right away:
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Stop engaging. Do not reply to the message or continue the conversation.
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Contact the bank immediately. Report the incident by calling your financial institutions official customer service number.
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Monitor your accounts closely. Review your recent transactions and report any unusual activity to the bank.
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File a report with the FTC. If your personal information was shared or you experienced a financial loss, visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report and receive recovery steps.
Stay Safe This Summer
By staying aware and verifying messages before acting, you can protect yourself from fraud and keep your focus where it belongs—enjoying your summer.