Review Online Safety With These Cybersecurity Tips
October is National Cybersecurity Month. At Academy Bank, we’re committed to ensuring our valued clients understand how to safeguard themselves against cybercriminals and other online scams. But we also know that when it comes to the internet, it can be hard to know what’s safe and what isn’t.
That’s why we’re sharing tips from Banks Never Ask That to ensure you know how to keep yourself safe, especially regarding your personal finances. Learn more about protecting yourself online and the things that banks will never ask you -- so you can spot a scam before it’s too late.
The Risks of Cyberscams
Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. Add to that this time of expanded use of online banking and the busy upcoming holiday shopping season, and the problem is only growing worse. But online scams aren’t so scary when you know what to look for.
Academy Bank is ready to help you spot those scams as an extra layer of protection for your account. We want every customer to become a pro at spotting a phishing scam -- and stop bank impostors in their tracks -- especially during the holidays.
It starts with these four words: Banks Never Ask That. Because when you know what sounds suspicious, you’ll be less likely to be fooled.
Don’t unwrap a scam this holiday season. For tips and tools, including videos, an interactive quiz and more, visit BanksNeverAskThat.com.
What’s Your Scam Score? Take five minutes to become a scamspotter pro by taking the #BanksNeverAskThat quiz. Share your score with your friends and family and encourage them to test their scam savviness, too. The more scamspotters out there, the harder it is for phishing criminals to catch their next victim.
Banks Never Ask That
Remember: As your bank, we would never ask you for the following in an email, text, or phone call:
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Account Number
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Social Security Number
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Contact Information
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Passwords or PINs
If you receive an email, text, or phone call for any of this information, it’s a definite red flag. It’s better to be safe than sorry. End the call, delete the text, and trash the email...because banks never ask that.
And these steps can keep you safe when it comes to your personal and/or financial information:
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Always think twice before clicking
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Monitor your accounts frequently for suspicious activity
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Always create strong and unique login IDs and passwords
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Know the best practices for wire transfers or use alternate options like Zelle® through Digital Banking for sending money
*Note: You may be asked to verify confidential information if you call us, but rarely the other way around. If you’re ever in doubt that a bank call is legitimate, or if a caller pressures you to stay on the line and provide bank information right away or something bad will happen, it is a scam. Hang up and call the number on the back of your bank card to talk to a real employee.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Phishing is the most reported cyber scam. With phishing, cybercriminals attempt to get you to enter your personal information while disguised as a reputable business, such as your bank.
Keep an eye out for these phishing red flags:
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Asking for a PIN
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Asking for SSNs
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Sharing a “one-time code”
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Asked to download an attachment
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Forms to fill out
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Misspelled words
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Asking for addresses
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Using scare tactics
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Asking for birthdays
If you’re suspicious that an email or text message you’ve received is a phishing attempt, here’s what to do:
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Do not download any attachments in the message. Attachments may contain malware such as viruses, worms or spyware.
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Do not click links that appear in the message. Links in phishing messages direct you to fraudulent websites.
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Do not reply to the sender. Ignore any requests from the sender and do not call any phone numbers provided in the message.
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Report it. Help fight scammers by reporting them. Forward suspected phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. If you got a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726). Then, report the phishing attack to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
If you receive a phone call that seems to be a phishing attempt, here are the steps to take:
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Hang up or end the call.
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Do not respond to the caller’s requests. Never give personal information to the incoming caller.
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If you feel you’ve been the victim of a scam, did provide personal or financial information, contact your bank immediately at their publicly listed customer service number. Often, this is found on the back of your bank card. Be sure to include any relevant details, such as whether the suspicious caller attempted to impersonate your bank and whether any personal or financial information was provided to the suspicious caller.
Academy Bank Has Your Back
At Academy Bank, the security of your personal information and accounts is our top priority. If you’re not sure whether a text message, email, or phone call is legitimate, get in contact with us and we’ll help make sure your accounts remain secure.
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