FCB News

Help Stop Fraud With These Tips

Bank Impersonation Scams

Impersonators contact individuals and pretend they are bank representatives. They try to obtain sensitive information such as verifying account details, confirming transactions, or resolving security concerns. They may even “mirror” or spoof actual bank phone numbers. The impersonators will request personal data, such as account numbers, passwords, or authentication codes, to gain unauthorized access to your account. They may even send emails or text messages urging you to click the links. DO NOT CLICK THE LINKS!

FCB BANKS WILL NEVER

• Ask for your password
• Ask for full Social Security number
• Ask for full FCB card number
• Ask for your multi-factor authentication codes (passcodes/PIN numbers)

 How to Protect Yourself

• Be Skeptical of Caller ID: Caller ID can be easily manipulated by scammers to display "FCB Banks" or another trusted name. Never rely solely on Caller ID as proof of a caller's identity.
• Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal details—such as your Social Security Number, credit card information, passwords, PINs, or login credentials—to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• End the Call Immediately: If a person or recording requests personal information, hang up right away. Call FCB using a trusted phone number you already have on file, or from the bank’s website, or the back of your FCB debit card.
• Never Complete MFA for Uninitiated Requests: Do not assist with Multi-Factor Authentication if you did not initiate the request. Additionally, never transfer money or make payments in response to an unexpected call or text.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Contact your bank immediately to report any suspicious activity. Note what was said, what information was requested, and, if possible, the caller's phone number or area code.

Website/Internet Security Tips

• Create a strong password (for instance: I live at 123 Main St Apt 9 could be Il@123MsA9)
• Change your password a few times a year
• Install anti-virus software on your PC and mobile device
• Avoid using WI-FI connections as these are usually not secure
• Don't click on email attachments that you are not expecting 

Mobile Device Safety Tips

• Use a screen lock 
• Change your screen lock password often
• Download applications (apps) from reputable sites
• Avoid using WI-FI connections as these are usually not secure
• Don't recognize a number?  Don't answer it! Let your voicemail answer the call    
• Block spam texts or phone calls
• Don't click on links in texts
• Have a question about that text you just received?  Call the company - but use the number you are familiar with - not the one in the text 

Safely Using Zelle®

• To avoid money scams when using Zelle®, remember:

• Zelle^®/FCB will NEVER contact you and ask for account information - usernames, passwords, verification codes, account numbers.
• Zelle^®/FCB will NEVER instruct you to send money to yourself or anyone else to release a transaction that is "on hold."
• DON'T EVER send money to people you don't know or trust.
• Zelle^®/FCB will NEVER ask you to send money to "upgrade" your account status.

• Visit our Education Center to view the Zelle^® tutorial for more fraud prevention tips. 

Types of Fraud Schemes

Phishing

Phishing uses fraudulent emails or pop-up web pages that appear to be from a legitimate source, often using a company’s name, logo, and/or graphic, and sometimes from banks. These emails are designed to get you to share personal or account information. Recognizable logos doesn't always mean that it’s secure.  Look at the domain name or url at the top of the screen.  Don't share your personal information!

Spoofing

Spoofing occurs when a fake financial or retail website is set up with the same look and feel of the legitimate website for the purpose of gaining personal information. Often, the domain name may be misspelled. Don't share your personal information!

Fake Check Scam

You receive a large check in the mail with instructions to deposit it, keep a portion of the funds - for your trouble, and immediately send out the rest of the money (usually by wire transfer, Western Union or through the purchase of money/gift cards). Most likely, the check is a fake that will be returned to the bank unpaid.

Anytime someone you do not know sends you a check and requests that you send money somewhere - DON'T - This is a scam. 

Identity Theft

Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud. Many people are falling victim to a new breed of criminal known as "identity thieves." These are crooks that operate in both the physical and virtual worlds, searching for opportunities to steal valuable pieces of personal information that belong to someone else.  Don't share your personal information!

Pharming

Pharming occurs when you enter a web address but instead are redirected, without your consent, to a fraudulent site that looks similar to a legitimate site. The intent is to capture confidential information.  Check the website address and domain.  Don't share your personal information!

Remember FCB will NEVER request confidential information through email, over the phone or via text.  NEVER respond to an email or text requesting sensitive information.  

If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service Center at (866) 323-4322 (4FCB).

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