A scammer disguises their identity to look like a trusted source, such as your bank or a known company, to trick you into sharing personal information or sending money.

How to Spot It:

• The message feels urgent or threatening.
• The caller or email asks for personal or account information.
• The phone number or email address looks slightly off.

What To Do:

• Hang up or delete the message and contact the company directly using a known phone number or secure website.

Fraudsters send fake emails, texts or messages that look real to get you to click on a link, share your login details, passwords or account numbers.

How to Spot It:

• Spelling errors or odd phrasing.
• Links that don’t match the company’s real website.
• Requests for personal information, passwords or payment details.

What To Do:

• Never click unexpected links. You can hover over links to check if the URL matches the legitimate website.
• Verify the legitimacy of the sender by contacting them directly using a known phone number or other known and trusted communication channel.
• Use reliable anti-virus software, keep systems updated and regularly back up files offline.

Someone manipulates or pressures you into giving away confidential information or access – often by pretending to help, creating urgency or playing on emotions like fear or trust.

How to Spot It:

• The person pressures you to act fast.
• They ask for sensitive information or verification codes.

What To Do:

• Verify the request by contacting the person or organization through a separate, trusted communication method.

Scammers may impersonate businesses or individuals and send an email urgently requesting payment via wire transfer.

How to Spot It:

• The requester changes payment instructions, such as bank account numbers, wire instructions or payment methods that are not normal procedure.
• The email address has a typo or uses a different domain.
• The requester asks to skip approval, ignore standard vendor verification or use odd payment methods (gift cards, crypto, prepaid cards).
• You get send files or links that weren’t requested.

What To Do:

• Don’t act – verify the legitimacy of payment requests through a separate and trusted communication method.
• Notify your IT/security team using company procedures.
• If the request is fraudulent, contact your financial institution to recall the transfer and request a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity.

Use unique usernames and passwords for all of your accounts.

• Use a Complex Combination: Incorporate upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
• Don’t Reuse Passwords: Ensure each of your accounts have a unique password.
• Avoid Common Phrases: Refrain from using common words, phrases, names and dates (ex: Smith2000, Password1234!)
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on accounts when available.

Keep your information safe while using technology.

• Use Anti-Virus Software: Install and maintain trusted anti-virus software to protect your technology against cyber threats. You can also use a trusted VPN service that can be used to secure your connection when accessing sensitive information over public or unsecured networks.
• Use Secure Devices: Only access your online bank account from a secure device that you trust (ensure it has updated software updates and anti-virus software).
• Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi: Public networks are often unsecure. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and other accounts for any signs of suspicious behavior or unauthorized access.
• Browse Safely: Browse secure sites only. Secure website addresses begin with “https” and display a padlock icon next to the address in the browser.

Your Debit Mastercard^® is equipped with contactless and chip technology, extra layers of transaction security. There is also zero liability for unauthorized use and a 24-hour support line.²

• Keep Your PIN Secure: Never write your PIN on the back of your card – memorize it. To update your PIN, contact 800.374.6123.
• Report Lost/Stolen Cards: For your Peoples Bank debit card, contact our Customer Care Center at 800.374.6123.
• Review Your Accounts Regularly: If you notice any changes or unauthorized transactions on your Peoples Bank account, contact 800.374.6123 immediately.
• Use Caution When Shopping: Don’t make transactions while using public Wi-Fi, and don’t save your card information to a browser.
• Set a Travel Notice: Set a notice through Card Controls in the Online Banking platform when you travel domestic or international.
• Check Your Credit Report Annually: Review your credit reports once a year from equifax.com, experian.com and transunion.com.

• Choose a Familiar ATM: Choose an ATM you are familiar with. Alternatively, go to a well-lit and well-placed ATM. When using an indoor ATM that requires your card for access, don’t let others you don’t know in with you.
• Inspect the ATM: Inspect the ATM card reader, PIN pad, display screens, etc. Do not use the machine if it looks to have been tampered with. If you notice anyone or anything suspicious, leave immediately and report your concerns to the police and ATM owner.
• Keep Your PIN Secure: Memorize your PIN. If you need to write it down, do so in a disguised manner and never carry it with your card. Do not choose a guessable PIN (phone number, Social Security number, etc.), and do not share your PIN with family, friends, the bank or the police. If you believe it has been compromised, contact 800.374.6123.
• Take Your Receipt: Always take your ATM receipt as it contains personal information. Check your account balances and transactions regularly and report discrepancies to the bank.

Helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses, report scams and resolve complaints through verified business ratings and scam alerts.

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The Federal Trade Commission protects consumers by investigating fraud, enforcing privacy and security laws and providing tools to report scams and identity theft.

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The IC3 is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center and accepts online internet crime complaints and helps investigate and combat cyber fraud.

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