March 3, 2025
To kick off National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), Citizens National Bank is raising awareness about the persistent threat of phishing scams and how consumers can protect their personal and financial information.
NCPW, sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission, runs from March 2 to 8, 2025, and is dedicated to helping individuals understand their consumer rights while avoiding fraud and scams.
How to Spot Phishing Scams: “Banks Never Ask That”
Phishing scams often disguise themselves as legitimate messages from trusted sources to trick consumers into revealing sensitive information. A key rule to remember: “Banks Never Ask That.”
- Unexpected Requests: If you receive an email, text, or phone call asking for confidential information such as passwords, PINs, or Social Security numbers, consider it a red flag. Banks never ask that!
- Caller Verification: While you may be asked to verify confidential information when you call your bank, your bank will never reach out asking for it first. If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from your bank, hang up and call the official customer service number on the back of your debit or credit card.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email or Text:
- Do not download any attachments; these may contain malware or spyware.
- Do not click on any links, as they may direct you to fraudulent websites.
- Do not reply to the sender or call any phone numbers provided in the message.
- Report it: Forward suspected phishing emails to [email protected] and phishing text messages to SPAM (7726). You can also report phishing attempts to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Phone Call:
- If you suspect a call is a phishing attempt, hang up immediately.
- Be aware that caller ID can be misleading – a local area code does not guarantee the caller is local.
- Do not share any personal information. Financial institutions and reputable companies will never call you to request sensitive details.
“At Citizens National Bank, protecting our customers’ financial security is our top priority,” said Matthew Keene, CNB President and CEO. “As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, it is crucial for consumers to stay vigilant and recognize the warning signs of phishing scams. By following simple guidelines and remembering that ‘Banks Never Ask That,’ individuals can avoid falling victim to fraud and keep their personal information safe."
For additional resources and security tips, visit the American Bankers Association’s Banks Never Ask That website at www.banksneveraskthat.com.