At Firstrust Bank, we take every precaution to defend your accounts and transactions from criminal activity. We'd like to help you do the same. From simple check fraud to complex phishing and AI-driven scams, you have the power to outsmart criminals! And, by embracing the convenience and security of digital payments, you can significantly enhance your financial safety.
If you must write a check, use our safe 1nk pen. FREE at ANY Firstrust Branch.
Limiting the use of checks in favor of digital and card payments. Not using checks reduces the exposure of personal and banking information, which can easily be misused if checks fall into the wrong hands. Checks lack the advanced security features of digital transactions, such as encryption and real-time monitoring, making them more vulnerable to theft and alteration.
If a check is unavoidable, protect yourself with our SAFE 1NK pen. One of the oldest forms of check fraud is called “check washing”. Scammers intercept checks in the mail and use common household chemicals to erase your dollar amount and payee information and write in their own. Wielding the SAFE 1NK pen helps avoid this problem. We call it SAFE 1NK because the gel ink is almost impossible to wash off, unlike a standard ball point pen ink which washes away within minutes.
Watch the video below to see check washing in action.
Take advantage of Firstrust Online and Mobile Banking. When enrolled you have access to more convenient and secure payments, including Bill Pay and Pay Other People.
Debit and credit cards, electronic fund transfer, and mobile payment apps are also smart options. If you need to write a check, use our special SAFE 1NK pen to avoid check washing fraud.
Most check washers steal checks from unsecured mailboxes giving them access to sensitive info such as your bank account and signature.
Even the mail boxes outside of the post office are vulnerable, so be sure to mail your payments from inside the secure area of the post office.
Keep checks in secure location and track the check numbers as you use them. Dispose of unused or cancelled checks by shredding them to prevent misuse.
Purchasing a home shredder and personal keyed lockbox (available at office supply stores or online) is a small investment that can help improve check storage and safe disposal in a big way.
Using emails, text messages, and phone calls, fraudsters will impersonate legitimate businesses to trick you into providing valuable information. They may even "spoof" email addresses and phone numbers on caller ID to look like they're from your bank, even when they're not.
Be especially wary with unsolicited and even “official” looking emails asking you to call or click to a website or page where you are asked for more information. Fraudsters use this tactic called “phishing” to gain private information, to access your online accounts, and even take over your identity.
Watch this FTC video to learn more.
Be vigilant! Your bank will never ask for sensitive information by calling, texting, or emailing. You may need to verify personal information if you call your bank, but never the other way around.
1. Beware of the pretender. Scammers often impersonate loved ones, relatives, government officials and familiar businesses.
2. Watch for a false sense of urgency. Scammers count on getting you to act impulsively, usually by including a threat.
3. Never give sensitive information. Never share sensitive information like your bank password, PIN, or a one-time login code with someone who calls you unexpectedly - even if they say they are calling from your bank. Banks will always need to verify personal information if you call them, but never the other way around.
4. Don’t rely on caller ID. Scammers can make any number or name appear on your called ID. Even if your phone shows its your bank calling, it could be anyone. Always be wary of incoming calls.
5. Hang up - even if it sounds legit. Whether it’s a scammer impersonating your bank or a real call, stay safe by ending unexpected calls and dialing the number on your statement or on the back of your debit or credit card instead.
WITH THE HELPFUL TIPS BELOW AS A GUIDE, YOU CAN BE SMARTER ABOUT AVOIDING AI FRAUD
Using AI (artificial Intelligence) technology, scammers are cloning voices, creating deep-fake videos, and generating highly personal emails to impersonate people and manipulate consumers - it's hard to tell if it's fake or real!
1. Verify the source. Scammers can replicate a loved one's voice, calling you in a panic to send money. Don't trust the voice. When an urgent situation arises, hang up and call your loved one directly. If they do not respond, try to get in touch with another family member. This can apply to business relationships as well, the voice may sound familiar, asking you to provide information or do something like wire money or buy gift cards. Always remember it is safest to hang up and call back a known or published number to verify if it's a legitimate request.
2. Create a family password. With the use of AI to impersonate a family member on video or clone their voice, it's important to have a form of verification. Develop a family password that only your family members know.
3. Think before you click. Scammers are using AI to include celebrities to endorse products in photos and video ads. It looks like the celebrity speaking, but it is fake. Before clicking on an ad that pops up on social media, research the product online. You don't want to fall prey to placing an order that may never be received, may not work as advertised, or may lead to charges for items not delivered.
We appreciate all you do to protect yourself from fraud and we're here to help.
Pick up a FREE SAFE 1INK pen for your checks at any Firstrust Bank near you.
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of check washing, contact your local post office - it’s a federal offense!
If you believe you gave a scammer personal information like your SSN or Firstrust account number, go to IdentityTheft.gov to see what steps to take. Be sure to immediately change your password if you've shared it, contact us at Firstrust right away, and file a police report if you notice you've lost money from your account.
*No ink is fraud proof. SAFE 1NK pens use a gel ink that is less affected by the solvents and resists check washing, a common method of fraudulently altering checks.
