Is That Phone Call From Your Bank or a Scammer? Here's How to Tell.
March 17, 2023
Someone might call or text you, claiming to be from Security National Bank. Your caller ID might even display the Bank's customer service number. But here's what to know: If the person starts asking for personal or account information, it's a scam. No matter what.
Keep reading to learn how spot “phone number spoofing” and avoid being scammed.
What is phone number spoofing?
Phone spoofing happens when a scammer tricks your phone's caller ID into showing an official phone number, like your Bank. The fraudster will call or text, pretending to be a Bank employee, and try to trick you into giving out personal information.
To make things even trickier, the impostor might sound convincing and use the name of a person who really works at your Bank. They might know some partial information you thought was private, like your email address or the first 6-8 digits of your debit card (which are more common). They may even claim they're about to close your account, or shut off your card due to fraud, unless you give up more information. Don't fall for it.
How to tell if a phone number is spoofed:
To catch call spoofing, it's most important to think about the information the caller is asking for. Remember these things:
1) Your Bank will not call and ask for personal info.
At Security National Bank, we will never call our customers unprompted and ask for personal information we already have. If you did not prompt the call, you should never share your:
- Account number
- Social security number
- Login passwords or codes
- Debit card number, PIN or expiration date
- Any other personal information
2) Don't trust caller ID.
Scammers can make it look like they're calling from anywhere, even Security National Bank.
3) Not sure? Hang up.
If you are suspicious, verify the call by hanging up and contacting your Bank directly.
Have you spotted a scam?
If a phone scammer calls or texts you, your report can help stop them. Contact your Bank and share as much information as you can, including:
- Date and time of the call/text.
- Person and department the scammer used
- What they wanted you to do, pay or share (including amounts)
- The exact number that showed up on your Caller ID.
If you fear that you've fallen for a scam, take these steps so you can act quickly.
At Security National Bank, we want to provide solutions that matter, when you need them most. Subscribe to our free newsletter to get the latest scam and fraud prevention tips delivered to your inbox each month.