The Pennsylvania Bankers Association recently announced that banks across the commonwealth are seeing an uptick in phishing scams, mainly perpetrated via call, text, and emails. These communications are designed to trick consumers into providing confidential information such as account numbers, online banking credentials and debit card PINS.

What is “phishing”?

Phishing involves sending fake emails or text messages that appear to come from a legitimate source like a bank to manipulate victims into divulging personal and sensitive information. While these types of phishing scams can be cunning, educating yourself can be your best defense.

Why are phishing scams so effective?

Phishing scams often prey on people’s emotions with a sense of urgency. By claiming your computer has been hacked or there is suspicious activity on your account, or by offering too-good-to-be-true deals, fraudsters are trying to coerce you into sending private information to either stop the hack from going forward or to take advantage of the great deal. And when the message comes from an apparent trusted source, it’s easy to fall victim and provide them with the information.

How could I avoid falling victim to a phishing scam?

Thanks to the warning provided by the PA Bankers Association, First Keystone Community Bank would like to inform the public of the following tips:

• Banks will never ask for your personal information via phone, text or email. Financial institutions such as First Keystone Community Bank MAY ask your personal information in order to verify your identity. However, we only do this when you call us. If we call you, we have no reason to verify your identity. Fraudsters often pose as bankers, especially those in the Fraud Department, claiming your account has experienced some sort of urgent compromise.

• Be mindful of phone spoofing. Fraudsters often go the extra mile when impersonating bankers, even going as far as spoofing the bank’s phone number. This means that your phone will ring and the call will appear to be from your bank. It very well could be the bank calling you. Remember, we will never call you and ask for your personal information! When in doubt, hang up, and call the bank back using the legitimate phone number on their website.

• If you receive a suspicious email or text, do not download any attachments, click on any links or reply to the sender. Delete all suspicious, unexpected emails and text messages. Finally, report the phishing attack to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

At First Keystone Community Bank, we pride ourselves on having a fully functional Fraud Investigative team that is specially trained to assist customers who have fallen victim to phishing scams just like these.