Don’t Fall for the Call: How to Recognize and Stop Phone Scams

Phone call scams are becoming increasingly convincing, often using real customer information, local phone numbers, and high-pressure tactics to trick people into sharing sensitive details. Across the country, banks and businesses have seen a rise in fraudsters posing as trusted representatives, especially from fraud departments or technical support teams. Here are a few common  introductory phrases that scammers may use when you answer their call: 

 “This is the Fraud Department, we need your login information.”

Scammers may claim to be calling from your bank’s fraud department about suspicious activity on your account. They might ask for your online banking username or password to “verify” your identity or “secure” your account.

• Remember: A legitimate bank will never ask for your online banking credentials. Financial institutions already have this information securely stored and will never request it over the phone.

“Don’t trust anyone else at your bank.”

In some scams, callers pretend to be bank employees and tell customers not to visit their branch or speak to other staff members because “the account has been compromised.” 

• Remember:  If you ever receive a call like this, hang up and contact your bank directly using a trusted phone number from its official website.

“You’ve won a prize!” or “You owe the IRS.”

Not all phone scams are banking-related. Fraudsters also pose as government agencies, sweepstakes companies, or tech support representatives. They often pressure you to act quickly, by paying fake fees, sending money through gift cards, or clicking a link they text to you.

• Remember:  If it sounds too good to be true, or too urgent to question, it’s likely a scam.

How to Stay Protected

• Never share personal information (such as account numbers, passwords, or Social Security numbers) over the phone unless you initiated the call to a verified number.
• Hang up and call back. If something feels suspicious, end the call and reach out directly to your bank or service provider.
• Pause before you act. Scammers rely on urgency and fear, taking a moment to think can protect you from falling victim.

At Five Points Bank, your security is our priority. If you ever receive a call that doesn’t feel right, please contact your local branch immediately. Our team is always here to help verify information and guide you through next steps. Together, we can help stop phone scams before they start.