Start With Skepticism: Beware The Account Update Scam

older person looking at phone

Take Extra Care if You Receive Messages About Account Updates or Issues

When reviewing your emails or texts, have you seen something about an urgent account problem or issue? Did you get a request for an update that needs to be made NOW?!?

Your First Step: Be Skeptical

That email or text could be a scam to steal your money or your personal information.

‘Update account’ scams are common and can look frighteningly real. That is because scammers are using official identifying logos, names and domains that are very similar to legit companies. It starts with phishing emails targeting your human nature to fix a problem.

Related: Fraud Schemes to Watch: Phishing & Spoofing

If you are asked for usernames, passwords, a Social Security number, financial account numbers or other detailed data, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. If the message contains misspellings or bad grammar, it could be a scam. And if there is some threat involved—such as fines or closing your account—it’s very likely a scam.

What To Do if You Receive a Suspicious Message

  • Don’t click any links or download attachments to verify anything.
    The scammers want you to go to a fake website to fill out forms so they can collect information that can be used to steal your money or ID, or they might place malware on your device if your download an attachment.

  • Don’t call phone numbers listed in the email or texts.
    To check the request validity, contact the actual company’s customer service staff by looking up an official number or typing the official website address. You can then explain why you’re contacting them and take next steps if needed.

  • Don’t go to bogus websites.
    Make sure you are on an official website before updating account information, such as changing a password or modifying payment information.

While there might be times that you’ll need to update account information, make sure you’re not giving valuable personal information to the wrong people.

If you think you have been scammed, contact Fidelity Bank (or your bank) immediately so we can be on high alert for any suspicious activity. To learn more about Fidelity Bank’s digital banking services, click the button below.

VISIT OUR DIGITAL BANKING PAGE


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