How To Spot and Avoid Fraudulent Calls and Messages

Phishing

Phishing is commonly known as email fraud. It involves fraudulent emails which then lead customers to a deceptive website that looks like their bank’s in an effort to gain customer account information such as: user names, passwords, PINs or Social Security numbers. The fraudulent email often contains spelling or grammatical errors and may include a sense of urgency.

First American Bank will never ask you to provide your Social Security number, ATM or debit card PIN (personal identification number) or any other personal account information.

Vishing

Vishing is recognized as voice phishing and refers to receiving fraudulent calls asking for your confidential banking information. The calls may come from an actual person or an automated robocall. Vishers can even spoof your caller ID to seem as if the call is originating from your bank or government agency. A visher may tell you your bank account has been compromised and they need your PIN (personal identification number) in order to unlock your account.

If you’re suspicious about a call you received from a First American Bank phone number, immediately hang up and call Customer Care at 800.289.6140 to report potential fraud.

Smishing

This form of fraud is meant to scam customers via messages on WhatsApp or text messages (SMS). The messages will often contain a phone number which connects directly to a fraudster. As with phishing and vishing, the phone number the text message derives from may seem legitimate instructing you to either call a specific number or to go to a website. Again, a sense of urgency is implied in the text message that something bad will happen to your account if the instructions are not followed.

Do not ever respond to messages that request personal information, a call or ask you to log-in to your online banking.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Advice website provides valuable information on the latest scams, and guidance to help you avoid, report, and recover from them.