How to Determine the Validity of Communication from Banks

In today's digital age, financial fraud and phishing scams are on the rise, making it crucial to verify the authenticity of any communication you receive from banks. Fraudsters often impersonate financial institutions to steal sensitive information or gain unauthorized access to accounts. Here are key steps to determine whether a communication is legitimate:

1. Check the Sender’s Email Address or Phone Number

Banks communicate through official domains and phone numbers. Verify that the email or phone number matches the official contact details found on the company’s official website. Be wary of slight misspellings or additional characters in email addresses (e.g., support@bank-security.com instead of support@bank.com).

2. Look for Red Flags in the Message Content

Fraudulent messages often contain:

• Urgent language pressuring you to act immediately
• Spelling and grammatical errors
• Unusual requests, such as asking for login credentials or payment details

Legitimate banks will never ask you to share sensitive information via email, text, or phone calls.

3. Verify Links Before Clicking

Hover over any links included in the message before clicking. Ensure they lead to the official website of the bank. Scammers often use URLs that resemble real ones but may have extra characters, numbers, or misspellings.

4. Cross-Check with Official Communication Channels

If you receive an unexpected request, contact your bank directly using the official phone number listed on their website or your card statement. Never use the contact details provided in a suspicious message.

5. Be Wary of Unexpected Attachments

Banks rarely send attachments via email unless they were requested. Malware or viruses can be hidden in attachments, so avoid opening any file unless you have verified its authenticity.

6. Look for Proper Branding and Personalization

Legitimate communications usually include:

• Your full name (not generic greetings like “Dear Customer”)
• Official bank logos and branding
• Specific account-related information without asking for personal details

7. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Even if scammers obtain some of your information, MFA can provide an extra layer of security. Always enable MFA on your bank accounts to protect against unauthorized access.

8. Report Suspicious Communications

If you suspect fraudulent communication, report it to Plain Commerce Bank’s fraud department immediately. You can reach our Customer Care department M-F, 8am-5pm at 866.937.1134. 

By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to banking scams and ensure that your financial information remains secure. If in doubt, always verify directly with Plains Commerce Bank before taking any action.