Identifying a Bank Scam
Some bank emails aren't real!
Like Nigerian scams, a bank scam will tell you that one of your bank accounts has been compromised. But, think twice about replying because it may just be a bank fraud scam. A bank scam will range in believability; it all depends on the design, tech and writing abilities (or budget) of the person operating the bank scam. A bank scam is typically operated in two different forms: text and email. Below, are tips for recognizing a bank scam and tips on protecting yourself against the bank scam.
A bank scam will contain an urgent tone which details a possible hack of your bank account. But, in reality it is just a bank scam. How do you recognize bank fraud scam emails and text? Bank scam messages seem urgent and are way too detailed to be believable. Some bank scam emails may even go as far as providing the “supposed” IP address where the suspicious transactions originated. Bank scam emails and texts will prompt you to “click the link below” and login to your bank account. Alternatively, if you haven’t setup an online banking login, the bank scam email will encourage you to sign in with your social security number; that’s fishy in itself.
Protection against Bank Fraud Scams
Do not click links within the bank scam message! It will only take you to a website that is designed to look exactly like your real bank’s website! There, they’ll collect your bank login and password. The bank scam will then progress by quickly using the information to login to your real bank account and emptying your funds! If you suspect it is a bank fraud scam, give your bank a direct call to make it isn’t a bank scam. To report a bank fraud scam, contact the FTC. The FTC accepts both emails and phone calls when reporting bank fraud scams.
