As advanced and convenient technology has become in today’s world, it has also led to the development of increasingly sophisticated schemes that target everyday people. For example, online banking has made it possible to do your financial transactions on your computer or mobile device instead of waiting in line at your bank or credit union. But the move to handling most of our activity online has also made us vulnerable to bank phishing tactics, where scammers pose as official representatives.
Impersonation of this sort is a common type of phishing attempt that aims to trick you into providing sensitive information, which includes passwords and social security numbers. It is done by sending texts or emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, like your bank or credit union.
To protect yourself from financial fraud, it’s important to be aware of these strategies and techniques used by cybercriminals. Here’s a short guide on how to recognize bank phishing scams so you can avoid falling victim to these attempts.
Some Common Indicators of Phishing
Generic Greetings – Established institutions and reputable organizations, especially banks, address clients by name and typically include an indicator of account ownership or membership in their emails or texts. Be cautious if you receive one that starts with “Dear Customer” or “Dear User.”
Urgent Language – Fake messages often create a sense of urgency to make you act immediately without analyzing the content or legitimacy of what you receive. Examples include asking you to confirm or verify personal information to avoid account suspension or deactivation.
Suspicious Links – Phishing messages often include links that, when clicked, will take you to fake websites that mimic official ones. Once you hover over the link, you’ll often see a web address with a strange or misspelled name.
Poor Grammar or Spelling Errors – Striking mistakes in grammar, syntax, and even spelling can indicate a scam. Keep in mind, though, that phishing messages are evolving, which means more are looking alarmingly authentic, and grammar and spelling errors are becoming fewer or harder to spot.
Bank Safely and Securely With Heartland Credit Union
Protecting your personal data and banking details goes beyond recognizing the signs of phishing attempts. It is crucial to take proactive steps to keep your accounts secure and to promptly report any fraudulent activities. At Heartland Credit Union, we share valuable resources on how to prevent compromised accounts. To learn more, feel free to contact us today.
