Scam Alerts
Phishing Scam Tips
Online phishing scams happen every day in a variety of forms. These scams are a major threat to everyone! Stay alert and learn how to identify suspicious texts, emails, and phone calls.
South Louisiana Bank is on your side, helping you avoid these scams and keeping you and your finances secure.
Introduction
5 Red Flags of Scams
When going through your day, stay on the look out for these five common red flag tactics scammers utilize in text, emails, and phone calls to keep your personal information safe.
Never Click Links
Never click on a link, especially if it prompts you to sign into your bank account. Scammers frequently use this method to steal your username and password. If you’re unsure, visit your bank’s website by typing the URL directly into your browser or use your bank’s mobile app to log in.
Urgent or Fear Induced Language
Scammers may claim your account is in danger of closing or threaten you with legal action, but don’t fall for their false sense of urgency tactics. These high-pressure messages are red flags—real banks would never use those tactics.
Including Attachments
Your bank will never send unexpected email attachments like PDFs. Be cautious of any misspellings and poor grammar, as these are common signs of phishing scams.
Requesting Personal Information
Financial institutions may need to verify personal information if you call, but they will never ask you to tell them. Never disclose information like account passwords, PIN, or a one-time login code with someone who calls you unexpectedly, even if they pose as your bank.
Pressured to Log-in or Send Money
Acting hastily when you receive messages pressuring you to log-in via a link or to send money via payment apps. Payment apps are just like handing out cash to someone. Never send money to someone you don’t know or have never met in person.
Payment App Scams
Scams involving payment apps like Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle® are becoming more common as these platforms gain popularity. Once you click, it only takes a matter of seconds for a scammer to access your hard-earned money.
Be Cautious of Texts or Calls About Payment Apps
Payment app scams often begin with an unexpected phone call or text message. If you receive an unsolicited call or unexpected text, simply hang up and delete. Even if the message appears legitimate, always verify its authenticity by calling your bank or the payment app’s customer service number.
Use Payment Apps to Pay Friends and Family Only
Payment apps are just like handing out cash to someone. Never send money to someone you don’t know or have never met in person.
Stay Alert with Urgent Payment Requests
Scammers may claim your account is in danger of closing or threaten you with legal action, but don’t fall for their false sense of urgency tactics. These high-pressure messages are red flags—real banks would never use those tactics.
Avoid Unusual Payment Methods
Your bank will never ask you to pay bills via a payment app, or to send money to yourself. Scammers can “spoof” email addresses and phone numbers on caller ID to appear as your bank. If you are unsure, reach out to your bank directly by calling the number on the back of your card.
Phone Scams
A common tactic scammers do to cheat you out of your money is by impersonating your bank. Some act friendly and helpful others try to threaten or scare you. Often asking for personal information or for you to send them money.
Look Out for a False Sense of Urgency
Scammers know by including a false sense of urgency, you will act before thinking. Phrases like “Act now or your account will be closed” or “We’ve detected suspicious activity on your account” may be included. Never fall for their threats.
Never Give Personal Information
Financial institutions may need to verify personal information if you call, but they will never ask you to tell them. Never disclose information like account passwords, PIN, or a one-time login code with someone who calls you unexpectedly, even if they pose as your bank.
Don’t Rely on Caller ID
Caller ID is easy to change from the scammer’s end. Always be wary of incoming calls even if your phone shows your bank is calling, it could be anyone.
Hang Up—Even if it Sounds Real
Stay safe by ending unexpected calls from your bank, even if they appear to be real, and dial the number on the back of your bank card instead.
Text Scams
Phishing text messages are notable for tricking you into sharing your personal information like passwords, PIN, or social security number to gain access to your bank account. As long as you ignore and delete these messages, your information remains secure.
Think Before You Act
Acting hastily when you receive phishing text messages can inadvertently grant scammers access to your bank account and money. Scammers aim to make you feel confused and rushed, which is a clear red flag. Banks will never use threats or high-pressure tactics to prompt a response.
Never Click Links
Never click on a link sent via text message, especially if it prompts you to sign into your bank account. Scammers frequently use this method to steal your username and password. If you’re unsure, visit your bank’s website by typing the URL directly into your browser or use your bank’s mobile app to log in.
Never Send Personal Information
Your bank will never request your PIN, password, or one-time login code via text message. If you receive a text asking for personal information, it’s a scam.
Delete the Message
Avoid the risk of accidentally replying to or saving a fraudulent text message on your phone. If you need to report the message, take a screenshot to share and then delete it.
Romance Scams
In romance scams, a criminal uses a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. Click here for more information.
Charity Scams
Charity scams involve deceiving people into donating to fake or misrepresented charitable causes. A scammer’s goal is to exploit the generosity of donors for fraudulent purposes. Scammers often exploit the urgency and vulnerability of affected individuals and communities. Click here for more information.
Cryptocurrency Scams
Scammers typically purport to have “insider” information and offer opportunities to make large amounts of money quickly. These fake investment opportunities are usually advertised via fraudulent websites which appear legitimate, to include fictitious customer testimonials and other fake information. Click here for more information.
What to do if you fall for a scam?
- Change your password if you clicked on a link and entered any personal information like your username and password into a suspicious site.
- Contact South Louisiana Bank by calling the number on the back of your card (985-851-3434).
- If you lost money, file a police report.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).
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