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Protect Yourself from Bank Phone Call Scams

1/13/25

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using tactics like spoofing local bank phone numbers—including those of Bank of Little Rock—to trick people into revealing sensitive information. Recently, fraudsters have posed as representatives from our Fraud Center, falsely claiming suspicious activity on accounts. While some customers successfully identified the scam and secured their accounts, it’s critical to remain vigilant. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

How Scammers Operate

Fraudsters use phone number spoofing to disguise their calls as coming from a legitimate source, such as your bank. They often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into sharing private details, such as:

• Debit or credit card numbers

• Account PINs

• Online banking usernames and passwords

• Security question answers

Their ultimate goal is to gain access to your accounts and steal your money or identity.

What Banks Never Ask

Legitimate banks, including Bank of Little Rock, will never ask for certain information over the phone, email, or text. According to the Banks Never Ask That campaign, you should never share:

• Your PIN

• Online banking password

• Full Social Security number

• Answers to security questions

• Debit or credit card CVV codes

If you’re asked for this information, it’s a red flag.

Warning Signs of a Scam

Watch out for these common scam tactics:

1. Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often claim immediate action is required to secure your account.

2. Requests for Sensitive Information: Any request for passwords, PINs, or similar details is suspicious.

3. Unusual Caller Behavior: Legitimate bank representatives won’t pressure or threaten you.

4. Caller ID Trickery: Don’t trust your caller ID. Scammers can make it look like they’re calling from your bank.

How to Protect Yourself

Take these steps to safeguard your information:

1. Verify the Caller: Hang up and contact your bank directly or visit the bank’s official website for customer support or fraud department contact details.

2. Never Share Sensitive Information: Your bank will never ask for PINs, passwords, or other confidential details over the phone.

3. Enable Account Alerts: Use account notifications to monitor activity and catch unauthorized transactions early.

4. Be Skeptical of Links: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited texts or emails claiming to be from your bank.

5. Educate Yourself: Visit resources like Banks Never Ask That for tips on identifying scams.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

If you suspect a scam, act quickly:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check for unauthorized transactions.

2. Report the Scam: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

3. Update Security Settings: Change your passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.

Bank of Little Rock Is Here to Help

Your financial security is our top priority. If you have concerns about your accounts or suspect fraudulent activity, contact us immediately. Together, we can stay one step ahead of scammers.