15 Oct Apple Cider or Pumpkin Spice? Banks don’t ask that!
As the season shifts to crisp autumn days and cozy traditions, it’s easy to get caught up in fall favorites. But while you decide between apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte, remember—some things shouldn’t involve choices. One of them? Sharing personal information.
Unfortunately, scammers often impersonate banks or government agencies, taking advantage of you to steal sensitive details.
What Scammers Are After
Cybercriminals often use calls, texts, or emails, to pose as trusted institutions. Their goal? To trick you into providing information that gives them access to your accounts.
Here’s What You Should Never Give Out:
- PINs or Passwords: Real banks don’t need them. We already have secure systems to verify you.
- Social Security Numbers: Be cautious if someone asks for this over the phone or by email.
- One-Time Passcodes (OTP): Fraudsters try to steal these codes to conduct unauthorized transactions.
- Account Numbers: Only share these details if you initiated the contact with a trusted source.
- Online Banking Credentials: No bank will never ask for your username or password. If someone does, it’s likely a scam.
- Credit/Debit Card Information: Especially full card numbers and the 3-digit CVV on the back.
Scam Red Flags to Watch For:
- Unexpected Urgency: Messages saying “Your account is locked! Click here to unlock it now!” are designed to make you act quickly without thinking.
- Misspelled Emails or Messages: Strange typos and suspicious email addresses are classic signs of phishing.
- Requests for Gift Cards or Transfers: Legitimate companies won’t ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or apps like Zelle or Venmo.
- Suspicious Friend Requests: Fraudsters may impersonate family or friends on social media, asking for money or personal information.
As your trusted local bank, we’ll never ask for your PIN, passwords, or any private details through unsolicited messages or calls. If you ever receive communication that feels suspicious, contact us directly.
This fall, enjoy the season’s comforts with peace of mind—whether it’s a pumpkin spice latte or a warm apple cider, your bank is here to help protect what matters most.
For more information on how to keep yourself cyber-safe, please visit https://unisonbank.com/security-tips.
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