Stop and Think: Protecting Yourself During Fraud Awareness Month

At Fidelity Bank, our commitment to protecting our customers goes beyond providing financial services—it includes empowering you with the knowledge and tools to safeguard your hard-earned money. As fraud schemes continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, so must our awareness and prevention strategies.

This September, we’re launching Fidelity's Fraud Awareness Month under the theme STOP AND THINK. Throughout the month, our Fraud Department will share tips, real-life examples, and resources to help you recognize, avoid, and report fraudulent activity. Our goal is simple: to help protect your financial portfolio and keep your money safe.

Spotlight: Computer Tech Support Scams

The FBI has recently issued warnings about a billion-dollar scam targeting seniors and draining retirement funds. Many of these schemes are powered by artificial intelligence (AI), making them harder to detect and increasingly dangerous.

This particular scam often unfolds in three phases:

Phase 1: The Tech Support Imposter

Victims receive a call, text, or email from someone claiming to be “tech support.” The scammer convinces the victim to download software that gives them remote access to the victim’s computer. Once inside, they instruct the victim to log into their financial accounts to “check for unauthorized charges.” At this point, the scammer identifies which accounts to target and sets the stage for the next step.

Phase 2: The Bank Imposter

Next, someone posing as the victim’s financial institution calls and claims that their accounts have been compromised by a “foreign hacker.” To protect their money, the victim is told to transfer funds to a “safe” account—often through wire transfers, cash withdrawals, or cryptocurrency. These fraudulent transactions are typically spread out over days or even months.

Phase 3: The Government Imposter

Finally, the victim may receive a call from someone claiming to be a U.S. government employee. They will advise the victim to move funds to an “alias” account for additional protection, further compounding the financial loss.

STOP AND THINK: How to Protect Yourself

• Never reply to or engage with unexpected texts, phone calls, or emails. If something feels off, it probably is.
• Check your online banking regularly. Review your accounts a few times a week to catch unauthorized charges early.
• Do not allow anyone remote access to your computer. Scammers rely on this access to steal sensitive information.
• Remember: Financial institutions will never call and ask for personal or account information.
• For businesses and caregivers: If you notice unusual financial behavior—such as sudden wire transfers or large cash withdrawals—ask thoughtful questions. Your awareness may prevent fraud.

At Fidelity Bank, we believe the best defense against fraud is education. By taking a moment to STOP AND THINK, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from scams like this.

Stay tuned throughout the month as we continue to share important fraud awareness tips and resources. Together, we can build stronger safeguards for our community.