Cyber Security Awareness Month: How to Spot and Avoid Phishing Scams
10/22/2024
Phishing scams are one of the most common ways cybercriminals try to steal your personal information, including your banking credentials. These scams often come in the form of emails, text messages, or phone calls that pretend to be from a trusted source. At Bank of Little Rock, we want to help you spot the warning signs and protect your accounts.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is when scammers send fake messages designed to trick you into giving up sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or account numbers. These messages often appear to come from legitimate sources, such as your bank or a well-known company, but they’re designed to deceive you.
How to Recognize a Phishing Scam
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Urgency or Threats: Messages claiming your account will be suspended unless you act immediately.
- Suspicious Links: Emails or texts asking you to click on a link and enter personal information.
- Generic Greetings: Scams often use vague greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of your actual name.
- Unusual Requests: Legitimate companies will never ask you for sensitive information (like your password) over email or text.
What to Do if You Receive a Phishing Message
- Don’t Click on Links: If you're unsure whether the message is legitimate, don’t click any links. Instead, visit the official website directly by typing the URL in your browser.
- Verify the Sender: Contact the company or person using a trusted method (such as a phone number from their official website) to verify the message.
- Report the Scam: If you suspect phishing, report it to:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/complaint
- The Anti-Phishing Working Group at [email protected]
- The company being impersonated
- If it's related to your Bank of Little Rock account, please report it to us immediately so we can take action to protect your account.
Our Commitment to Your Security
At Bank of Little Rock, we take your cybersecurity seriously. We continuously monitor for suspicious activity and provide secure tools to help protect your accounts. Our team is always available to assist if you have any concerns about potential phishing attempts.
If you think you’ve received a phishing message or have questions about staying safe online, contact us—we’re here to help.