Scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot every day. It’s more important now than ever to be cautious with our personal information, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to fraud. Here are some easy ways to avoid getting scammed:
Never give out your passwords, PINs, bank account numbers, or credit card details to anyone who contacts you unsolicited by phone, email, or text message. Scammers will often create a sense of urgency, giving you little time to think about the situation until it’s too late. Be wary of any requests for money transfers, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards.
Don’t click on any links or open any attachments in emails or messages from unknown senders, as they may contain malware or phishing scams that can steal your information or infect your device.
A common tactic used by modern scammers is called “spoofing”. It allows the scammer to hide their identity, and make it appear that a communication is coming from official Bank channels when in fact they are not. We will never ask you to provide account numbers, online banking credentials, or other sensitive information.
BankGloucester provides a host of tools & services to help monitor and maintain the security of your account such as Card Valet which is included free with all BankGloucester deposit accounts.
Signature & Elite accountholders also have access to exclusive BG Perks that can provide assistance if you believe that your identity has been compromised.
If you receive a call, email, or message that you think is a scam, hang up, delete it, or mark it as spam. Don’t engage with the scammers or try to outsmart them, as this may encourage them to target you more. Instead, ignore the communication, and call the Bank directly at (978) 283-8200 to report your concerns.
For more information, visit our Security Center.