How to Spot Fraud: Four Signs That it's a Scam

1. Scammers Pretend to Be From an Organization You Know

One of the most common tactics scammers use is posing as a trusted organization, such as a government agency, utility provider, or even your bank. They might claim to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a local business you’re familiar with. Using technology to spoof phone numbers, they can make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate source.

What You Can Do:

• Always verify the source independently. Look up the organization’s official contact number and call them directly.
• Be wary of unsolicited communications, especially if they request sensitive information.
• Don’t trust caller ID alone; it can be easily manipulated.

2. Scammers Say There’s a Problem or a Prize

Scammers often appeal to fear or excitement. They might claim you owe money to the government, that there’s an issue with one of your accounts, or that you’ve won a prize. The catch? You’ll need to provide personal information or pay a fee to resolve the issue or claim your reward.

What You Can Do:

• Pause and think. Legitimate organizations don’t ask for immediate payments or sensitive information over the phone or via email.
• Be cautious of high-pressure tactics; they’re designed to make you act without thinking.
• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Scammers Pressure You to Act Immediately

A sense of urgency is a hallmark of scam attempts. Fraudsters don’t want to give you time to think, verify their claims, or consult someone else. They might threaten legal action, suspension of accounts, or worse to coerce you into acting quickly.

What You Can Do:

• Take your time. Legitimate organizations will not rush you or threaten you into making hasty decisions.
• Hang up if a caller refuses to let you disconnect or tries to intimidate you.
• Reach out to a trusted advisor or your bank for guidance if you’re unsure.

4. Scammers Tell You to Pay in a Specific Way

Another red flag is when scammers demand payment via unconventional methods like cryptocurrency, payment apps, wire transfers, or gift cards. They might also send a fake check and ask you to deposit it before transferring money back to them.

What You Can Do:

• Be suspicious of requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency; these methods are often untraceable.
• Never send money or provide financial information based on a request from an unsolicited call, email, or message.
• If you receive a check, wait for your bank to verify its authenticity before using the funds.

Final Tips for Staying Safe

• Educate Yourself and Others: Share these tips with family and friends to help them avoid scams.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Always err on the side of caution.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to local authorities or organizations like the FTC.
• By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from scammers and safeguard your financial well-being. Remember: Your bank is here to help. If you ever have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.

First Bank is Here to Help

If you feel that you have fallen victim to a scam, what should you do next? At First Bank, we recommend calling us immediately. You may reach us at 1‑866‑792‑4357 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday or 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Or you may submit an e‑mail message to fraud@localfirstbank.com. Our associates are trained in fraud response and will advise you on your next steps.

Stop by your nearest First Bank branch to talk through any questions or concerns you might have about your account security or how our different banking policies work to keep you safe. If you can’t make it to one of our branches, call our customer support center at 1-866-792-4357.