Updates

Bank impersonation scams—sometimes called fake bank scams—are one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud. Scammers continue to impersonate legitimate banks using a variety of advanced technology and AI tools. They may sometimes even appear on your caller ID or email inbox as the institution you bank with. They will falsely claim there's a problem with your account and urge you to act quickly to resolve it.

Scammers can easily catch you off guard. Their intention is to trick you into sharing sensitive information or sending money. These scams typically arrive by phone call, text message, or email. They may ask for your login details, send you a link to "verify your identity," or request a transfer to secure your funds. It's all part of a bank impersonation scam designed to steal your money or personal information.

Signs of Bank Impersonation Scams:

• Urgency: These scammers will typically put time pressure on you. Beware of messages threatening consequences if you do not act quickly.
• Requests for Sensitive Information: A legitimate bank won’t ask for things like your password or PIN.
• Fake Links: Scammers will often include links that look real but lead to fake websites. These are designed to trap you in their scheme.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never share passwords, PINs, or one-time codes with anyone who contacts you.
• Do not give out personal identifying information such as your social security number, mother’s maiden name, security code, or any other information fraudsters may use to further scam someone.
• Be cautious of caller ID—it can be spoofed to look legitimate.
• Hang up and call us directly to notify us and keep your account protected.

Staying informed is one of the strongest defenses against fraud. By recognizing the warning signs and slowing down before you respond, you can help protect your personal information—and your money—from bank impersonation scams.

Partnering With You to Stay Secure

At Seattle Bank, your peace of mind is our top priority. We’ll continue to provide education on fraud prevention to help protect you and your finances.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact us today.