Learning Center

Fraud Alert: Bank Impersonation Scams

Monday, June 23, 2025 - Safety & Security, Learning Center

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers about an increase in "bank impersonation" scams.

In a bank impersonation scam, scammers pretend to be from a bank and request your personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit or debit card numbers, or your bank account passwords. The text message often resembles a bank security message, attempting to create a sense of urgency and encouraging you to provide your personal information.

You might receive a text message asking you to verify a large purchase you didn’t make, and, if you respond, you might get a call from someone pretending to be from the bank’s fraud department, who asks you for your personal information. The scammer then uses the information to steal money from your account.

Text messages are not the only way scammers will try to reach you. They also use emails (“phishing”) and phone calls (“vishing”). Learn how to identify these scams and better protect yourself and your money.

Protect yourself and your money by following these tips:

Never reply to a text message claiming to be from your bank, and NEVER share personal or identifiable information in a text message, email, or with an unsolicited caller. If you receive a message that worries you, call your bank directly using the phone number you are familiar with (not the one provided in the message) to verify if the message is fraudulent.

Security Bank will not enroll or turn on text message alerts without your direct request and approval. If you receive a text message from Security Bank and you have not enrolled in message alerts, call us immediately.
Do not click on any links in the message or open any attachments unless you are certain you are dealing with your banker. If you receive a message or email with links or attachments and you are unsure if it is legitimate, first call your banker to make sure they did, in fact, send you a message. You can also hover over the links to see the source. If anything looks phishy, contact your bank.

Security Bank will not send or request sensitive account or personal information via text or email without prior communication and approval. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from us, contact us immediately.

How to report fraud:

Call your bank if:

You receive an unsolicited text, email or call claiming to be your bank.
The message causes you anxiety, fear, or asks you to act immediately to avoid a penalty or loss.
The message or caller asks you to share sensitive financial or identifiable information, such as your Social Security Number, online banking or debit card PIN, password or other account access information.

If in doubt, always call your bank.

Stay alert. Stay Safe.