As internet and social media usage increases in the digital age, the amount of scammers on the prowl also increases. Scammers are thieves who try to steal your money through methods of manipulation and impersonation. To stay safe against them, it’s important to identify potential scams and the action you can take when and if you spot them.
According to a report from Fraud.org, the most financially damaging scams in 2024 included cryptocurrency and investment schemes, while the most popular scams were those claiming to offer prizes and free gifts to participants.
Follow these helpful tips and steps to remain safe and keep your finances protected – and how Coastal Heritage Bank can help you if you suspect you may be a victim of a scam:
Step One: Stay Aware
Be on the lookout for suspicious activity, specifically from scammers, that could lead to fraud or identity theft. These may include calls, emails, or texts from unknown senders or individuals pretending to be somebody else, such as Coastal Heritage Bank. A good way to detect scammers is to search messages for grammar and spelling mistakes, which typically indicates that the sender is not who they claim to be.
Common tactics that scammers use include sending you text messages about failed package delivery attempts or emails about employment opportunities. In both cases, they’ll send you a link that they encourage you to click. It’s important that you do not click the links they send and instead report the email or text as spam.
Remember: In some cases, phone scams may appear realistic when the caller ID claims to be your banking institution. We will never ask you to reveal personal information (like your passwords, social security number, or debit card PIN) via phone calls, text messages, or emails.
Step Two: Track Account Activity
To identity fraud right away, keep an eye on your account activity at all times. You can set up alerts through online banking to help identify purchases that may appear suspicious or fraudulent. This way, you can report unauthorized transactions to us as quickly as possible.
Some scams (like those posing as fundraisers or charities) appear to be legitimate at first, and you may not realize until after you’ve completed a payment that someone is amiss. In that case, contact us at Coastal Heritage Bank as soon as you can for assistance.
Step Three: Limit What You Share
Avoid sharing too much personal information online or via social media, as many scammers and thieves will use this information to steal your identity or hack your accounts. Anything that could be a password or security question should be kept to yourself, as well as your PINs, debit card number, or important account information.
If an unknown number calls and asks for money pretending to be a relative or someone you know, be careful. Do not give away more personal information, and never repeat personal information over the phone. If you feel like a scammer is impersonating a loved one, hang up as soon as possible and report the incident.
Step Four: Report Fraudulent Activity Immediately
There are a few steps you can take if you suspect that you’ve been a victim of a scam. If an unapproved transaction appears in your bank account, you should immediately contact us or your credit card company. With their help, you should be able to get the charge removed and a new card or account number assigned to you.
At Coastal Heritage Bank, we’re here to help you feel safe and secure, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or help. Never engage with a scammer – go straight to us for assistance. That’s what we’re here for!
If you have more questions or want additional information about how to report fraudulent activity, head over to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
