Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to target individuals and businesses. From phishing emails or text messages, identity theft to payment scams, fake bank calls, and account takeover attempts, scams can happen to anyone. Staying informed and recognizing common warning signs can help you protect your personal and financial information.
Be cautious of unexpected requests for personal information, passwords, security codes, payments, or account changes, and always verify requests through a trusted contact before taking action. When in doubt, stop, verify, and think before you send.
Old Fort Banking Company is committed to helping you stay informed and protect what matters most. Read below about what we will never ask of a Client as well as tips to help further protect yourself from fraud.
what OFBC Will never ask:
- Provide your password, PIN, or security codes over an unexpected phone call, text, or email.
- Keep a transaction or conversation secret from OFBC.
- Lie about the reason for a transaction or provide a false explanation for where money is going.
- Transfer or withdraw money to “protect” your account or assist with a fraud investigation.
- Purchase gift cards or send money as part of an investigation or to resolve an account issue.
- Provide remote access to your computer or mobile device or download software at our request.
- Click a link or provide information because of an urgent threat that your account will be closed or restricted.
- Ask you to act immediately without giving you time to verify the request.
When in doubt, stop and contact OFBC directly using a trusted phone number or contact method.
tips to help protect yourself from fraud:
- Use strong, unique passwords for your financial and other important accounts, and avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever it’s available for an added layer of security.
- Monitor your accounts regularly and review statements for unfamiliar or unauthorized transactions.
- Set up account alerts to help you quickly identify unusual transactions or account activity.
- Think before you click. Avoid links, attachments, and QR codes from unexpected or unfamiliar messages.
- Verify before sending money. Independently confirm payment instructions, account changes, and urgent requests before completing a transaction.
- Never share sensitive information such as passwords, PINs, account numbers, or security codes with someone who unexpectedly contacts you.
- Be cautious of urgency. Scammers often pressure you to act immediately so you don’t have time to think or verify the request.
- Protect your mail and personal documents. Secure sensitive information and properly shred documents you no longer need.
- Check your credit reports regularly and consider a fraud alert or security freeze if you suspect your identity has been compromised.
- Keep your devices and software updated to help protect against security vulnerabilities.
- When in doubt, stop and verify. Contact OFBC using a trusted phone number or other official contact method before taking action.