Protect yourself from phishing
Phishing is a cybercrime where fraudsters send suspicious emails, text messages or phone calls to get your personal or banking information. Protect yourself from being reeled in to a scam by spotting the warning signs.
- Don't give out your personal information unless you know it's from a real source.
- Search for warning signs in phishing emails, such as writing errors and design flaws.
- Install antivirus software on your devices to protect yourself from malware.
Phishing is a type of scam that fraudsters use to try to get your information through fake communications such as emails, text messages or phone calls. The communications claim to be from a reliable source to get you to trust the sender. The emails and text messages often look like they're coming from the existing businesses. Once the fraudsters get your information, they can steal your money or identity. They may:
- Ask you to confirm personal information
- Claim to notice suspicious activity or sign-on attempts
- Claim you're eligible for government relief or tax refunds
- Offer you free products, services or money
- Tell you to select a link to make a payment or receive money
Learn about different forms of phishing
Email phishing
Fraudsters send emails with malicious links to get your information through downloads or links. These emails copy a business' design brand and style to make them seem real, even appearing to be from someone you know.
Smishing
Fraudsters send text messages from what seem to be real sources. These text messages include malicious links or phone numbers to steal your personal and banking information. This is also known as SMS phishing.
Spear phishing
Fraudsters send emails to specific people in an organization to get more data and hack their systems. These emails are usually personalized to make you believe you have a relationship with the sender.
Vishing
Fraudsters try to have a phone conversation claiming to be from a reputable company. The call is often an automated voice message stating you owe money to the government or a financial institution. This is also known as voice phishing.
Protect yourself from phishing scams
- Don't respond to urgent or threatening language that pressures you to respond quickly.
- Be wary of anyone asking for personal information. Don’t give it out unless you know who you're dealing with and why your information is needed.
- Don't select any attachments or links from suspicious emails and text messages.
- Search for spelling or grammar errors and incorrect website names or sender email addresses.
- Protect your devices by installing antivirus software or speak to your mobile service provider to see if they offer port protection for your SIM card.
- Ensure your internet browser is up to date, as this can help detect fake or unsafe websites.
Our promise for your money
If you've been affected by fraud and have done everything in your power to keep your accounts safe, we'll help you get your money back. To learn more about the security guidelines for your accounts, review our Online Security Guarantee.
Notice anything suspicious? Let us know.
Contact us right away if you received a suspicious email or notice any unauthorized activity on your account.