Phishing Scams: How to Recognize and Avoid Fake Emails & Texts

In today’s digital world, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal sensitive information. One of the most common and deceptive tactics they use is phishing—fraudulent emails and text messages designed to trick recipients into providing personal data. As a financial institution committed to safeguarding your information, we want to equip you with the knowledge to recognize and avoid these scams.

How to Identify Phishing Emails and Texts

Phishing messages often appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, government agencies, or trusted companies. However, there are key indicators that can help you spot a scam:

1. Suspicious Sender Addresses – Phishing emails often use addresses that resemble legitimate ones but contain slight misspellings or extra characters (e.g., support@bank-secure.com instead of support@yourbank.com).
2. Urgent or Threatening Language – Scammers try to create a sense of urgency, warning of account suspensions, unauthorized transactions, or security breaches to pressure you into taking immediate action.
3. Unexpected Attachments or Links – Be cautious of attachments or links prompting you to enter login credentials, reset passwords, or download files. Hover over links before clicking to see the actual URL.
4. Requests for Personal Information – Legitimate financial institutions will never ask for sensitive details like passwords, PINs, or Social Security numbers via email or text.
5. Generic Greetings and Poor Grammar – Phishing attempts often use generic salutations like “Dear Customer” and may contain spelling and grammatical errors.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks

Staying vigilant and following best practices can help you avoid falling victim to phishing scams:

• Verify the Sender – If you receive an unexpected request for personal information, contact the company directly using official contact details found on their website.
• Do Not Click Suspicious Links – Instead of clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts, visit the official website by typing the URL manually into your browser.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for scammers to access your accounts even if they obtain your credentials.
• Keep Software and Security Tools Updated – Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and security software to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Report Suspicious Messages – If you receive a suspected phishing attempt, report it to your financial institution and relevant authorities.

What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Phishing Scam

If you suspect that you have provided sensitive information to a scammer, take immediate action:

1. Change Your Passwords – Update any compromised accounts with strong, unique passwords.
2. Monitor Your Accounts – Regularly review your statements for unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately.
3. Alert Your Financial Institution – Contact your bank or financial provider to notify them of the incident and take necessary precautions to secure your account.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from phishing scams and keep your personal and financial information secure. Your security is our top priority—if you ever have doubts about an email or text claiming to be from us, don’t hesitate to reach out directly.