Five Points Bank Blog

New Scam Alert: Hackers Exploiting Public Records to Target You

At Five Points Bank, we are committed to keeping our customers informed about emerging scams. One growing tactic used by fraudsters involves exploiting public security instruments (loan-related documents recorded with the county) to target individuals who have recently closed on a home loan.

How the Scam Works

Hackers and scammers can access publicly available security instruments to identify recent homebuyers. They then send misleading postcards or letters claiming:

• “Your loan didn’t go through.”
• “Urgent action required to finalize your mortgage.”
• “Call immediately to resolve your loan application issue.”

These messages create a sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to call a fraudulent number or visit a fake website. Once engaged, scammers may request personal information, attempt to collect bogus fees, or trick victims into providing access to their bank accounts.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify Before Acting: If you receive a suspicious postcard or letter, contact your lender directly using their official contact information.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Requests: Five Points Bank will never ask you to verify loan details or make payments through an unexpected mailing.
• Safeguard Your Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial details to unknown callers or websites.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank and loan statements for unauthorized activity.
• Report Suspicious Mail: If you receive a scam letter, report it to your bank and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov.

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

Fraudsters are always finding new ways to exploit personal information, but by staying aware and taking precautionary steps, you can protect yourself. If you ever receive a suspicious message regarding your loan or finances, contact Five Points Bank directly. We are here to help you bank securely and with confidence.