Is That Really Your Bank Contacting You? How to Spot and Prevent Scams.

Scammers often impersonate banks, tech support, government agencies, or even family members to trick you into handing over personal information or money. At Fidelity Bank, your security is our priority, and we want to ensure you stay protected against fraud. Remember, Fidelity Bank will never contact you asking for personal or account information.

Red Flags: When to Hang Up Immediately

Fraudsters use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency. If you experience any of the following, hang up or delete the message immediately:

• Asked to move money to resolve fraud.
• Instructed to ignore warning messages when making a transaction.
• Told to download software or allow remote access to your device.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

1. Pause

Never let anyone rush you into making a decision, especially if it involves money or sharing sensitive information. Take your time to evaluate any request and be cautious of unusual payment methods, such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.

2. Verify

Confirm the identity of the person or organization contacting you. Use trusted sources, such as the phone number on your bank statement or the back of your debit card. Do not rely on phone numbers or links provided in unexpected messages.

3. Stay Informed

Educate yourself and others about the latest scam tactics. Share fraud prevention tips with family and friends to help keep everyone safe.

How to Recognize an Imposter Scam

Scammers may pose as someone you trust, claiming there is an urgent issue that needs your immediate action. Here are common scam scenarios:

Common Scam Messages:

• "There’s fraud on your account, and you need to move your money."
• "I’m your online romantic interest, and I need financial help for an emergency."
• "You owe overdue taxes to the IRS and must pay immediately."
• "We attempted to deliver a package, but there was an issue."
• "Your computer has a virus, and we need access to fix it."
• "Your job application requires sensitive information such as your Social Security number or banking details."
• "There’s an unexpected charge for financial aid or tuition reimbursement."
• "You’re due a refund from a company you’ve done business with."

Scam Tactics to Watch For:

If you are instructed to do any of the following, stop and reconsider:

• Withdraw cash and deposit it into a "new" account provided by the caller.
• Transfer money via digital wallet to resolve a fraud alert.
• Click a link or download an attachment to enter payment details.
• Share your PIN, one-time passcode, or security code with anyone.
• Ignore security warnings that appear while following instructions.
• Told the bank is "in on" the fraud and you should only trust the scammer.
• Grant remote access to your device or install unknown apps.
• *Enter special codes starting with 72 or 21 on your phone.

If You Follow a Scammer’s Instructions, Here’s What Could Happen:

• Your money is stolen and transferred to the scammer’s account.
• Personal and financial details are compromised.
• Malware may be installed on your devices, stealing your data.
• Your calls and messages could be forwarded to scammers.
• Scammers may demand ransom to restore your access or prevent data leaks.

How to Protect Your Money and Information

• Fidelity Bank will never ask you to move money or make a payment to "yourself."
• Never ignore scam warnings, even if the caller insists.
• Verify financial requests through official channels.
• Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
• Be cautious about granting device access or downloading unfamiliar apps.
• If your device is compromised, run a full virus scan and restart it.

Stay Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity

If you suspect a scam or fraudulent activity, report it immediately to Fidelity Bank and your local authorities. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your finances from scammers.

For more fraud prevention resources, visit our Fraud Awareness Blog regularly.