At Canton Co-operative Bank, we consider it to be one of our most important responsibilities to always be looking for ways to help you protect yourself from financial fraud. Bankers across the country feel the same way.
Which is why the American Bankers Association (ABA) has developed a terrific program called “Banks Never Ask That!” It’s designed to help people learn to identify and avoid phishing scams.
Recognizing the kind of things your bank will never contact you about is one excellent way to help protect yourself from cybercriminals trying to trick you into providing information.
“Watch for these red flags,” the ABA says.
Banks will never contact you to ask you for information, including :
- Your account number
- Username or password
- Your Social Security Number
- Your PIN (Personal Identification Number)
- Your birthday
- Your address
- Your security question answer
The key words there are “never contact you.” If you contact your bank on a trusted phone number or in person, you may be asked to provide identifying information. But any email, text or phone call asking you to provide information is NOT from your bank.
At banksneveraskthat.com, the ABA has videos, quizzes and more good advice including:
Beware of links
Beware of scare tactics
Protect your confidential information
Call the number on your debit card (or statement) to contact your bank
Watch for misspelled words
Check out banksneveraskthat.com – it’s free. And if you have questions or concerns about financial fraud or phishing, come see us at Canton Co-operative Bank or call 781-828-8811 x5.