You receive a call from a ID that shows like "National Bank" or something like your bank's customer service number. A polite and legitimate looking representative tells you there is a suspicious activity on your account. This is the moment of high pressure that scammers actually needs.
Welcome to What-if Wednesday, where we prepare you for digital emergencies before they happen. Today, we are going one of them, that is a scam call claim to be of your bank.
Your Action Plan
Step 1: Do not confirm any personal information The scammer may have your some of information like name, email, even the last digit of your ID card). Do not provide your full card number, social security number, online baking password or one time codes. A real bank employee will never ask for these over the phone. Step 2: Thank them and hang up: Say: Thank you for letting me know. I will call my bank directly to resolve this. Then end the call. Step 3: Call your bank back using a verified number Do not call the number the caller gave you. Instead: - Use a number on the back of your debit/credit card. - Use the official number from your bank's website or mobile app - Log into your online banking app and use the secure messaging or call back feature
Step 4: Explain the situation to a verified representative Once you are connected through a trusted channel, explain that you received a suspicious call. They can check your account for any real fraud and note the attempt.
Red Flags of a Bank Impersonation Scam
- Urgency & Fear
- Request for remote access
- Asking for codes
- Unusual payment methods
What your bank will never do
- Ask for your full online banking password
- Request one time passcodes sent to your phone
- Demand you transfer funds to another account for safety
- Send "Verification" links via text or email that you must click during the call