Fight Against Fraud

No, we're not quoting a Dr. Seuss book. These are each a method of fraud, differing only in how scammers attempt to obtain your personal information.

 

Methods of Contact:

Phishing - Email

Vishing - Phone/Robocall

Smishing - SMS/Text Message

 

Scammers who use phishing as their method of contact typically send an email with a link for the victim to click on, requesting that they provide sensitive information.

• For example, you may receive an email that appears to be from your bank, stating that your account has been locked and asking you to click a link and provide your account number to regain access.

 

Scammers who use vishing as their method of contact will engage in a sophisticated phone conversation that sounds entirely legitimate. Not only can scammers obtain sensitive information from you over the phone, but they can also record your voice to authorize future charges.

• For example, you may receive a phone call from someone who you think is your bank, asking about a specific charge on your account. However, they must first verify who they're speaking to, asking for details such as your name, address, and social security number.

 

Scammers who use smishing as their method of contact generally send text messages with urgent requests, sometimes including a link that, when clicked on, downloads malware to the victim's phone.

• For example, you may receive a text message from someone you believe to be your bank, asking you to verify a large withdrawal from your account. When you click the link to report it as fraud, you must first enter your name and account number, providing this information directly to the scammers.

 

Being diligent and informed can help you protect yourself from fraud.

• Never click on links in emails or text messages you're not expecting.
• Don't answer phone calls or texts from numbers you don't recognize.
• Don't provide personal information to anyone who is urgently requesting it, even if it appears to be from someone you know.