Stay Safe from Scammers

Protect Your Bank Information

In today’s digital age, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to trick people into sharing sensitive financial information. At GBC Bank, we prioritize your security and want to ensure you’re equipped to identify and prevent fraud. Here’s how you can stay vigilant against phone and text message scams.

Common Tactics Scammers Use

Fraudsters often impersonate legitimate organizations, including banks, to gain your trust. Be aware of these common schemes:

• Urgent Notifications: Scammers may send text messages or make calls claiming your account has been compromised. They’ll pressure you to act quickly, asking for personal details like your account number or online banking login.
• Prize Offers: You might receive messages claiming you’ve won a prize or a cash reward, but you need to share your bank details to claim it.
• Verification Requests: Fraudsters may pose as bank representatives asking you to “verify” your identity or transactions by sharing passwords, PINs, or other confidential information.

What to Watch For

To spot potential scams, look out for these red flags:

• Requests for personal or banking information via phone, text, or email.
• Messages with spelling or grammatical errors.
• Calls or messages from unfamiliar numbers, especially those claiming urgency or threats.
• Links in text messages that direct you to unfamiliar websites.

How to Protect Yourself

Follow these best practices to safeguard your information:

1. Never Share Sensitive Information: Your bank will never ask for your passwords, PINs, or full Social Security Number via phone or text.
2. Verify Caller Identity: If you’re unsure about a call, hang up and contact your bank using the official phone number on their website.
3. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Instead of clicking links in texts or emails, visit your bank’s website directly by typing the URL into your browser.
4. Enable Alerts: Set up account alerts to monitor your transactions and quickly spot any unauthorized activity.
5. Keep Your Software Updated: Ensure your phone, apps, and antivirus software are up to date to protect against malware and phishing attempts.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you’ve received a fraudulent message or inadvertently shared your information:

• Contact Your Bank Immediately: Report the incident to your bank’s fraud department. They can help secure your account and investigate suspicious activity.
• Monitor Your Account: Check your account for unauthorized transactions and report them promptly.
• File a Report: Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your country’s fraud protection agency.

Your Security Is Our Priority

At GBC Bank, we’re committed to protecting your financial well-being. By staying informed and cautious, you can outsmart scammers and keep your information safe. For more tips on fraud prevention, visit our Security page or call us at 317-462-1431.

Remember: When in doubt, trust your instincts and verify before you act. Together, we can fight fraud and ensure your banking experience remains secure.