Phone spoofing fraud is tricky because it sneaks into our everyday routines. At its core, phone spoofing fraud occurs when scammers disguise their phone number to appear as though it’s coming from someone you know or trust—such as Quail Creek Bank. The goal is to trick you into providing personal information, such as your account number, PIN, or Social Security number. Here’s an example of what this may look like:
You receive a text from Quail Creek Bank (or what appears to be Quail Creek Bank) stating that you may have fraudulent transactions. If so, you are asked to answer YES or NO. You indicate you didn’t make the transaction by stating NO. Then, you get a call from the bank (or what appears to be the bank) stating they can take care of the issue quickly if you provide them with some information – typically, name and address. You give it to them. And they say, “No problem. Now, we’ll send you a link to verify your account information. You do so, leading to what appears to be a landing page from the bank. But in reality, it’s a landing page for the fraudster. When you enter your information, they have everything they need to access your account.
Most people feel incredibly dumb after falling victim to this scam, but the fraudsters count on your trust in your bank or other organization. You can avoid falling victim to these fraudsters with these proactive steps (and caution):
- Trust, but verify. If you get a call from someone claiming to be a Quail Creek Bank representative, pause for a moment. Does something feel off? Are they asking for sensitive information right away? Even if the caller ID shows Quail Creek Bank’s name or number, it’s wise to verify the call by hanging up and calling us back at (405) 755-1000. This quick check can save you from potential fraud.
Important: Scammers rely on urgency to catch you off guard. Trust your instincts and double-check before sharing anything if a call feels rushed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Never share personal information over the phone. A good rule of thumb is to avoid sharing personal information (e.g., account numbers, passwords, or Social Security numbers) over the phone unless you’ve initiated the call. Quail Creek Bank will never ask for sensitive data out of the blue. If you ever receive a call requesting such information, it’s likely a red flag.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of phishing attempts that ask you to verify personal information through a follow-up link or number. Always reach out to Quail Creek Bank directly if you need assistance.
- Use strong authentication methods. Many banks offer multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA), adding an extra layer of protection to your accounts. These methods require you to provide something you know (like your password) and something you have (such as a code sent to your phone). Enabling this feature ensures that even if someone tries to access your account through spoofing, they won’t get far without the second verification step.
Smart Move: Click here to learn how Quail Creek Bank protects your accounts.
- Block unwanted or suspicious calls. Most smartphones come with the ability to block numbers that appear suspicious. Use this feature liberally, especially if you’ve received multiple calls from numbers you don’t recognize or that seem to be spoofing local or familiar contacts. Some apps also help block spam calls and identify potential fraudsters.
- Report suspicious calls. If you believe you’ve received a spoofing call, report it! Contact us at (405) 755-1000 about any scam you may encounter. Additionally, report the number to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your country’s equivalent fraud agency. Reporting these scams helps authorities track fraudsters and warn the public about ongoing schemes.
- Stay calm under pressure. Scammers thrive on creating panic. They’ll often tell you your account has been compromised or you owe money immediately. If you receive a call like this, take a deep breath. Scammers try to make you act quickly without thinking. Instead of rushing to provide information, stay calm, hang up, and call the organization they claim to represent directly to confirm whether there’s an issue.
- Regularly monitor your accounts. Even with all these precautions, checking your accounts for any unusual activity is essential. If you notice anything suspicious, call immediately.
How to Do It: Enroll in Online Banking and download Quail Creek Bank’s free mobile banking app. You can then set up account alerts to know when your balance falls below a certain threshold, when a deposited check clears, and more. Click here to get started.
Keep Scammers Away
Phone spoofing fraud may be on the rise, but you have the power to protect yourself and your financial well-being. It’s all about controlling your security and making smart decisions that keep your personal information safe. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay scam-free!
And remember, Quail Creek Bank is always here to help. If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at (405) 755-1000.
