According to the 2024 FBI Internet Crime Report, criminals are attacking our digital systems from corporate networks to personal smart phones with reporting losses of $16.6 billion in 2024. Many don’t realize how quickly a simple email, text, or phone call can turn into a costly scam, especially when fraudsters ask you to act with urgency.
Your security is our top priority.
By knowing what to watch for and how scams work, you can protect yourself—and your finances—before damage is done. Remain vigilant!
Five Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if an email, call, or text does any of the following:
- Asks you to act with urgency
- Asks you to open a link
- Tells you to keep it a secret
- Sends an unexpected attachment
- Requests personal information such as PINs, passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers
- Pressures you to use mobile payment apps to send or move money
See real-world examples from the American Bankers Association:
Protect Yourself! – Banks Never Ask That! Protect Yourself! - Banks Never Ask That!
Tips on Protecting Yourself
How to Protect Yourself
- Hang up immediately if pressured for personal information.
- Never click suspicious links or download unknown mobile apps.
- Don’t respond to unexpected texts, calls, or emails.
- Never share personal or account information by phone, text, or email.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts.
- Always call the bank using the official number on our website or your statement.
What Banks Will NEVER Ask You to Provide
A legitimate bank will never ask you—through a call, text, or email—to provide:
- Your online banking password
- Your PIN
- Your full account number
- Authentication codes or one-time passcodes (OTP)
- Your debit card or credit card number through an unsolicited call or text
- Your mobile banking app username or password by text
- Any request to click links to verify identity or login information
If you receive such a request, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the message immediately.
If You Receive a Suspicious Message
- Do not respond
- Do not click any links
- Do not share any information
- Call us immediately at 877-758‑1600
Additional Resources
- American Bankers Association: Banks Never Ask That! Banks Never Ask That! Fraud Prevention
- Shore United Bank Blog: How to Spot a Scam Before It’s Too Late: How to Avoid Scam Tactics Before It's Too Late
- Shore United Bank: Security Tips
- Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams
FBI's List of Common Frauds and Scams
Learn about some of the most common frauds and scams that the FBI encounters, as well as tips to help you stay safe and what to do if you're a victim: Common Frauds and Scams — FBI
