Fraud Awareness Resources

In today's digital age, the convenience of online banking and financial transactions has transformed the way we manage our money. However, with these advancements come new challenges, particularly in the realm of fraud. At Fidelity Bank, we understand the importance of safeguarding your hard-earned money. In this article, we'll explore the world of fraud awareness and provide you with essential tips to protect your finances.

What is Fraud?

Fraud is a deceptive act or scheme conducted with the intention of obtaining financial or personal gain at the expense of others. Fraudsters often use various methods to exploit unsuspecting individuals, making it essential for all of us to be vigilant and informed. Bank customers should be aware of various types of fraud that can pose a threat to their financial security.

Here are the 5 Most Common Types of Fraud that bank customers may encounter:

1. Phishing Scams: Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication. This often involves deceptive emails, text messages, or fake websites that appear legitimate but are designed to steal your personal information.
2. Identity Theft: Identity theft occurs when a fraudster gains access to your personal information, such as your Social Security number or driver's license, and uses it to commit financial fraud in your name. They may open new accounts, take out loans, or make unauthorized transactions, leaving you with the financial burden.
3. Card Skimming: Criminals use card skimmers to capture card information from unsuspecting individuals. These devices are often attached to ATMs or point-of-sale terminals, and they record card details when customers swipe or insert their cards. The stolen information is then used to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawals.
4. Account Takeover: In an account takeover, fraudsters gain access to your bank account by obtaining your login credentials through various means. Once inside your account, they can transfer funds, change account settings, or perform other unauthorized actions. This type of fraud often occurs through weak passwords or security breaches on other websites.
5. Check Fraud: Check fraud involves criminals creating counterfeit checks or altering legitimate ones to withdraw money from your account without your consent. This can include forging your signature or manipulating the check's details. It's essential to monitor your account for any suspicious check activity.

Here are 5 of the Best Tips to help you stay safe:

1. Practice Vigilance and Skepticism: Always be cautious and skeptical when receiving unsolicited communications, whether through email, text, or phone calls. Be especially wary of requests for personal information or financial details. If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts and verify the legitimacy of the request with the organization using official contact information.
2. Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts, including your bank accounts. Use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Consider using a reliable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts, including your bank account. This additional layer of security requires you to enter a one-time code sent to your mobile device or email during the login process. Even if someone has your password, they won't be able to access your account without this code.
4. Protect Personal Information: Guard your personal and financial information carefully. Avoid sharing sensitive details unless you are certain of the recipient's identity and legitimacy. Be cautious about sharing information on social media, as fraudsters can use publicly available data for identity theft. Keep important documents in a secure location and shred documents containing sensitive information before disposing of them.
5. Regularly Monitor Your Accounts: Consistently monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Many banks offer real-time alerts for unusual account activity, so ensure that you have these alerts enabled. Report any discrepancies or concerns to your bank immediately. The sooner you detect and report fraud, the quicker it can be resolved.

In addition to these five tips, it's essential to stay informed about the latest fraud trends and scams. Education is a powerful tool in protecting yourself against fraud. Stay up-to-date with our Fraud Awareness Resources blog and learn to recognize and prevent fraudulent activities.

At Fidelity Bank, your financial security is our priority. By following these fraud awareness tips and staying vigilant, you can help protect your finances and enjoy the benefits of safe and secure banking. If you ever have concerns or questions about your account security, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can build a safer banking experience for all our customers.