Stay Safe from Scams: Essential Tips to Protect Yourself

As October Cyber Security Awareness Month comes to a close, it’s essential to stay vigilant against the growing threat of scams. Check washing and Phishing scams are among common tactics used by fraudsters today. Understanding these scams and knowing how to protect yourself can make a significant difference.
At Liberty Bank for Savings, we’re committed to ensuring our customers have the information they need to stay safe. That’s why we’re partnering with the American Banker’s Association to share their clever campaigns to help educate consumers on how to protect themselves. Because scams are less intimidating when you know what to look for.
Protecting Yourself from Check Washing
Check washing is a type of fraud where criminals alter legitimate checks to change the payee or amount. This can result in significant financial loss if you’re not careful. Here are some tips to safeguard against check washing:
- Use Permanent Gel Pens: Just like wearing a seatbelt when you fly, use permanent ink when you write a check to protect yourself.
- Avoid Blank Spaces: Make sure you fill out every blank space on a check so criminals can’t fill them in instead.
- Withhold Personal Information: Just like you wouldn’t share your life story with a stranger, don’t add personal info to your checks.
- Review Accounts: Monitor your account activity online or in our mobile app regularly to quickly notice anything unusual.
- Check Your Checks: Review your paid checks online to ensure the endorsement, intended payee, and amount listed are correct.
- Use Digital Payment Options: Consider using online bill pay for fast and secure payments.
- Follow Up: Confirm with payees to ensure they’ve received and deposited your check.
For additional resources on protecting your checks and financial information, click here.
Understanding Phishing Scams
Phishing scams involve fraudulent communications that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as your bank or well-known companies. These messages often prompt you to click on a link or provide sensitive information. Here are some tips to help you identify and avoid phishing scams:
- Text Message: If you receive a text message from someone claiming to be your bank asking you to sign in or provide personal information, it’s a scam. Remember, banks never ask that.
- Email: Be cautious of unexpected emails that ask you to click a suspicious link or provide personal information. The sender may claim to be from your bank, but it’s likely a scam.
- Phone Call: Would your bank ever call you to verify your account number? No! If you’re ever in doubt about the legitimacy of a caller, hang up and call the bank directly at a number you trust.
- Payment Apps: Beware of text messages claiming to be from your bank that says your account has been hacked. If you’re asked to send money to a new account created for you, it’s a scam! Always remember, banks never ask that.
For more detailed information and resources, including interactive quizzes and videos, visit the American Bankers Association’s Banks Never Ask That website.
Final Thoughts
Staying informed is your best defense against online scams. By understanding phishing and check washing scams, and implementing the tips outlined above, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud. Remember, if something seems off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and reach out to us directly.
At Liberty Bank for Savings, we are dedicated to your security. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Stay safe and secure!