Is That Text or Email From Your Bank a Scam?

Scam texts and emails pretending to be from your bank are more common than ever. As more people manage their accounts online, scammers are finding new ways to trick you. 

Indiana has the 10th highest number of cybercrime victims in the country, and each person who gets scammed loses about $2,751 on average.[1] So, if you live in Indiana, you may have a higher chance of getting tricked by an online scam. If that happens, you could lose a lot of money. 

These scams can lead to identity theft, stolen money, or even unauthorized loans taken out in your name. That’s why it’s important to know some of the signs of a scam and help you stay safe. Here's how to spot some of the warning signs of a bank scam and what to do if you see one.

What Are Some of the Warning Signs of a Bank Scam?

Bank scams often follow a pattern. When you know what to watch for, it’s easier to identify a bank scam and avoid it. You might get a message that looks like it came from your bank. It may say your account is locked or that someone tried to log in. The message might include a link or a phone number and ask you to act fast. 

But, rushing could cost you. Here’s what to watch out for. 

Recommended: Top 5 Banking Scams To Watch Out for and How To Protect Yourself 

1. Urgent or Threatening Language

Scam messages often try to scare you. 

They may say:

• "Your account is suspended."

• "Unusual activity detected."

• "Immediate action required."

Some scammers will even go so far as to say that you will be punished if you don’t reply. This type of language creates panic. Legitimate banks do not demand immediate action through text or email.

2. Suspicious Links or Attachments

If a message tells you to “click here” to fix a problem, be careful. Scam links can send you to fake websites that look real. They may ask for your login info or install malware. Avoid clicking links or downloading files unless you're 100% sure the message is real.

Instead, visit the bank's website or mobile app directly to make changes to your account. 

3. Requests for Personal Information

A real bank won’t ask you to confirm your Social Security number, PIN, account number, or password by text or email. If a message asks for this, it’s certainly a scam.

Your bank will never ask for your personal details in a text or email, even to confirm your identity. You should only enter your password or PIN when logging in to your account from official channels.  

4. Poor Grammar and Typos

Scam messages often have spelling errors, strange punctuation, or awkward wording. 

They might include flawed grammar like, "We need you update now," or, "Yor account is in danger."

On the contrary, a legitimate bank uses clear and professional language, as a rule.

5. Unfamiliar or Spoofed Senders

Scammers can make a message look like it came from your bank. They may use names, logos, or phone numbers that seem real. But, if the contact info looks odd, or the sender’s email ends in something like “@gmail.com,” that’s a red flag. Real bank emails should come from the bank’s domain (@centier.com).

What Legitimate Bank Messages Look Like

Real messages from your bank are clear, polite, and never ask for personal info. 

Here’s what they usually include:

• Your name or the last 4 digits of your account.

• No urgent demands.

• Secure links that go to the official bank website.

• Contact instructions that match those on the bank's website.

Still unsure? Don’t reply to the message. Instead, call your bank via the phone number on your card or from their official website.

You might also like: How Do I Get Rid of Scam Callers? Stop Cons in Their Tracks 

What To Do if You Receive a Suspicious Message

If something feels off, stop and think before you act. 

Here’s what you should do next:

• Do not click any links or reply.

• Report the message by forwarding it to your bank’s fraud department. 

• You can also report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

• Delete the message. Don’t save it or keep it in your inbox.

• Log in to your account through your bank’s app or website, not through the message, to look for any strange activity.

• Update your mobile banking password. 

• If you haven’t already, turn on two-factor authentication.

These actions can help protect you from major loss. 

You might also like: Everything You Need To Know About Smishing (SMS Phishing) 

How To Help Protect Yourself from Future Scams

To stay safe going forward, here are some tips to help:

1. Learn your bank’s contact methods. Legitimate banks won’t ask for info by text or email.

2. Use strong passwords and update them regularly.

3. Set up alerts through your bank’s app to track activity.

4. Never share codes or login info with anyone.

5. Monitor account activity. Check your statements often to catch anything suspicious.

Being proactive with your finances helps you spot fraud sooner.

Keep Your Accounts Safe With Centier By Your Side

It’s easy to get caught off guard when a message looks real. But if you pause and look closely, you can usually spot the signs of a scam. Watch for strange wording, urgent demands, and requests for personal info. Always use your bank’s app or website to verify any claims.

Centier Bank takes your security seriously. 

If you have concerns about a message you received, or want help protecting your accounts: 

• Reach out to Centier Bank via our contact page. 

• Call 1-888-CENTIER (888-236-8437). 

• Or, walk into your nearest branch location. 

Source: 

[1] https://www.security.org/digital-safety/annual-cybercrime-report/#states