Check Before You Share: Phone Scam Red Flags
The phone rings. The caller says they are from your bank, a government agency, a tech company, or a familiar business. They sound professional. They may even know your name. Then they ask you to verify information, move money, or act immediately.
Before you share anything, pause. Phone scams, also called vishing or voice phishing, use conversation and pressure to make people act quickly.
At Anderson Brothers Bank, we want customers and families to know the red flags so they can stop, check, and protect their information.
Red Flag #1: The Call Was Unexpected
If someone calls out of the blue asking you to verify account information, be cautious. Hang up and call the institution directly using the number from its official website, the back of your card, or another trusted source.
Red Flag #2: They Ask for Sensitive Information
Do not share your online banking password, PIN, full account number, full Social Security number, or one-time verification code with someone who calls you unexpectedly.
Red Flag #3: Caller ID Looks Official
Caller ID can be faked. A scammer can make a call appear to come from a local number, government agency, or financial institution. Do not rely on caller ID as proof that a call is real.
|
Stop. Check. Protect. If a caller asks for sensitive information or tells you to move money, hang up and call the organization directly using a trusted number. |
Red Flag #4: They Want You to Act Right Now
Scammers use urgency to keep you from thinking clearly. They may say your account is compromised, that you will be arrested, that your benefits will stop, or that your money must be moved immediately. Pressure is a warning sign.
Red Flag #5: They Request Unusual Payment Methods
Be suspicious if a caller asks for payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or payment app. Legitimate organizations will not demand those methods to resolve a surprise problem.
Red Flag #6: They Tell You Not to Tell Anyone
Scammers may tell victims to keep the conversation secret from family, bank employees, or law enforcement. Isolation is a major warning sign.
What to Do If You Suspect a Phone Scam
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not call back the number that called you.
- Call the institution directly using a trusted number.
- Do not share passwords, PINs, verification codes, or account numbers.
- Report the call to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Contact ABB directly if the caller claimed to be from us.
A Helpful Reminder for Families
Phone scams often target people who are trying to do the right thing. Talk with parents, grandparents, and loved ones about these red flags. A quick conversation now can help prevent a stressful situation later.
Fraud prevention content is educational and does not guarantee prevention, recovery, or reimbursement. Customers should contact Anderson Brothers Bank directly via a trusted phone number, the official website, or a local branch if they believe their account or personal information may be at risk.
What is vishing?
Vishing, or voice phishing, is a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate trusted organizations, such as banks, government agencies, or tech support, to steal personal information or money.
Can scammers make it look like my bank is calling?
Yes. Caller ID can be spoofed, which means scammers can make a call appear to come from a trusted number. If you are unsure, hang up and call your bank directly using a trusted number.
What information should I never give out over the phone?
Never share your online banking password, PIN, full Social Security number, full account number, debit card number, or one-time verification code with someone who calls unexpectedly.
How do I know if a call from my bank is real?
A bank may contact you for legitimate reasons, but it should not ask for your full password or PIN. If anything feels suspicious, hang up and call the bank directly using the number on the back of your card or its official website.
What should I do if I gave information to a phone scammer?
Contact your bank immediately, change affected passwords, monitor accounts, consider a fraud alert or credit freeze if personal information was shared, and report the scam to the FTC.