It’s old news, but fraudsters and scammers continue to develop new schemes and approaches to separate you from your money. If you don’t want to be a victim, you must be aware and on guard. Here are the latest anti-fraud tips from our security team.
- Use extreme caution when anyone asks for remote access to your computer. Amazon, eBay, PayPal, or any legitimate company will not need remote access to your device for any reason. If you are asked to allow anyone to remote-in and access your Digital Banking account for a refund, please deny them access and contact us immediately.
- Do not share your Digital Banking Login ID or password with anyone for any reason.
- Do not call the phone numbers or click on links in any suspicious emails. If you must contact the sending company, use a known, published number.
- Always be careful transacting online. Does an online ‘friend’ want you to move money for them? Do they want access to your online banking to deposit money? These are indicators of fraud, and they may be involving you in a financial crime.
- Say ‘no’ to ‘free’ money. Did you receive a check in your email, texts, or direct messages in social media apps? If you are about to deposit a check with a picture of your screen, think twice.
- Know how banks operate. A lender will not ask you to send money back to get a larger loan.
- Never send money or provide a gift card or prepaid card information to someone you don’t know. You may lose your money.
- Do not accept money from someone you do not know; you may be committing fraud or money laundering.
- Be discerning. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be fooled by romance scams, inheritance scams or work-from-home scams. If you have questions about a transaction requested by someone involving your Digital Banking account, contact us.
- If someone asks you to approve a text message, this is a red flag. Read the message and if it asks you to approve a payment, this is fraud.
- Be skeptical of appeals to safety. No company can stop fraud by moving your money to a “safe place.”
- Guard your passwords. Online phishing scams are on the rise. National Bank of Arizona (NBAZ) will never contact you for your online username, password, verbal password or PIN number. If you are concerned about a text message, call or email you received, please call customer service at 800.497.8168.
- Beware of anyone who wants to help you invest in cryptocurrency; do your homework and make sure you know who you are dealing with.
- If you are selling something online, be wary of overpayment schemes. If someone wants to pay extra, for any reason, including shipping or holding, it may be fraud.
- Even 1-800 numbers can be spoofed by fraudsters. If you are receiving a call that seems unusual, call the company in question back on their trusted number.
Scammers will continue to evolve their tactics, so being aware is the best way to stay one step ahead — and help protect yourself and your family.