Know the Signs: How to Spot a Scam

While the technology we have today makes our lives easier, it also makes it easier for those with bad intentions to take advantage. Individuals of all ages are being targeted by scammers pretending to be a trusted source in order to take your money, private information, or identity.

At Plains Commerce Bank, we want to be sure that our customers know the signs of a scam and the best ways to avoid being a victim.

If you receive a call, email, or text from an unknown source, here are some signs that it is likely a scam.

• They claim to be from a bank, the government, a business, or be a family member
  • Some scammers can even make it look like the call is from a real phone number - if at any point you feel uncomfortable or suspicious, hang up and call our 800 number directly.
  • The bank will not ask for your credit or debit card number or PIN number
• They ask for money or information up front to complete a task, or receive a prize or gift
  • This often includes asking for unique forms of payment, such as wire, cryptocurrency, courier, payment apps (CashApp/Venmo), or prepaid card or gift card
• They ask for access to your money through sign-in codes, bank accounts, credit cards, or investment accounts
• They will instill a sense of urgency and make claims such as the offer only being good for a short period, that they need the money for an emergency, or that you will lose access to an account if you don’t pay

Think twice before responding to a message or clicking any links that you receive that match any of these warning signs. It is much better to be overly cautious than put yourself at risk!

Plains Commerce Bank will contact you in a couple different ways. We reach out via phone, email, or letter to the address we have on file. Texts you receive from the bank will come from a five-digit number that we do not use to communicate directly with customers - these texts will be mainly alerts to account activity. If you have any doubts, feel free to call in to the bank's number at 866.937.1134 and verify that the communication you received was legitimate.

Here are some additional tips to help protect you from scams:

• Don’t share passwords or numbers for accounts, credit cards, or social security.
• Never pay up front for a prize or gift.
• Log into accounts only through verified websites or apps directly, not through a link sent via email or text.
• If something sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
• Keep your emotions in check – if someone is making you feel guilty, rushed, or anxious, they likely are trying to get you to make an impulse decision.
• Don’t click on links or scan QR codes - scammers can gain access to your accounts or devices through bugged links.
• Check your local news sources - they will often report on common scams in your area.
• Put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry - go to www.donotcall.gov or call (888) 382-1222.