What would you do if you received a call from someone claiming to be a Core Bank employee? What if their caller ID even matched our number? Scammers are always finding new ways of deceiving their victims. In addition to verbal impersonations, they are now Number Spoofing – where scammers use new technology to display their phone number as a businesses’ phone number.
How Impersonation Fraud Works
- Social Engineering: Scammers use emotional manipulation, urgency, or authority to pressure victims.
- Phishing and Spoofing: Fake emails, phone numbers, and websites make the fraud seem legitimate.
- Data Breaches: Stolen personal data makes impersonation more convincing.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Identities: Contact the person or organization directly using known contact details.
- Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency to prevent victims from thinking critically.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to online accounts.
- Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly check bank and credit card transactions for unauthorized activity.
- Report Suspected Fraud: Contact relevant authorities such as the FTC, IRS, or your bank if you suspect fraud.
What to do if you suspect a scam
At Core Bank, we prioritize your security and provide resources to help protect your identity and assets. If you encounter a suspicious situation:
- Pause and Evaluate: Scammers rely on pressure. Take a moment to verify the urgency.
- Ask Yourself: Does the request make sense? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Consult a Trusted Contact: Talk to a friend or family member, even if the scammer insists you keep it private.
- Verify Directly: Contact the company or bank they claim to represent using official channels.
- Report the Incident: Call the police or report fraud to the appropriate authorities.
Stay Informed with Core Bank
Learn more about Cybersecurity at Core Bank and watch our informative reels:
- There’s Nothing Scarier Than Fraud
- Text Scams Give Us Anxiety
- Stay Vigilant of Investment and Crypto Scams
Reminder: Core Bank will never ask for sensitive information such as account numbers, access IDs, or passwords via email. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from cybercriminals. If you have any concerns, reach out to us—we’re happy to help.
