Scams & Fraud

Protect Your Personal & Banking Information from Scammers (2025 Guide)

 

Why This Matters

Scammers are constantly evolving. In 2025, cybercriminals use more sophisticated methods—including AI-generated messages, deepfake audio, and social engineering—to trick people into giving up sensitive data. Staying vigilant and using modern safeguards is your best defense.

1. Understand How Scammers Operate

Scammers may reach you via:

  • Phishing emails or fake websites asking you to click a link and “verify” account info

  • SMS/text messages or messaging apps (often called “smishing”)

  • Phone calls (sometimes with caller-ID spoofing)

  • Mail or letters appearing official

  • In-person visits claiming urgent business

Key rule: Don’t trust unsolicited requests. If you didn’t initiate the contact, don’t hand over personal or financial details.

2. Watch for Red Flags

Scams tend to follow familiar patterns. Common warning signs:

  • Requests to confirm or enter sensitive info (Social Security Number, bank account, PIN) via email links or texts

  • Offers of money or payments (IRS stimulus, rebates) that require you to provide banking info

  • Threats of arrest or legal action unless you pay immediately

  • Instructions to buy gift cards as payment

  • “Overpayment” scams (a check is “accidentally” overpaid; you’re asked to send back the difference)

  • Requests to deposit a check you receive and send some funds via wire, Zelle, PayPal, etc.

3. How to Avoid Getting Scammed

These defensive practices help you stay ahead:

  • Don’t send gift cards as payment to unknown parties.

  • Never provide banking or personal data via email, text, or phone—unless you initiated the call and verified the identity.

  • Don’t trust caller ID blindly. If someone claims to be from your bank or a government agency, hang up and call back via official numbers.

  • Avoid clicking links or attachments unless you initiated the contact.

  • Never allow remote access to your devices for unsolicited callers.

  • Don’t wire money or send funds to unfamiliar people or companies.

  • Resist pressure tactics—scammers often push urgency to force mistakes.

  • Avoid paying upfront for promised services (e.g. roof repair, aide, etc.) without verifying legitimacy.

4. Advanced Protections & Technology You Should Use

To stay ahead of evolving threats, adopt these modern security tools and habits:

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) / 2FA

Enable MFA (e.g. via authenticator apps, hardware tokens) on email, banking, and other sensitive accounts. Even if your password leaks, attackers will struggle without the second factor. 

Use Strong, Unique Passwords & a Password Manager

Generate long, unique passphrases and store them in a reputable password manager (e.g. Bitwarden, 1Password) so you don’t reuse weak passwords.

Monitor and Limit Information Shared

Be cautious about what you post on social media or share publicly—fraudsters can use small bits of personal data (birthday, pet’s name, phone number) for identity theft. 

Use a VPN on Public / Untrusted Networks

If you must access sensitive accounts over WiFi outside your trusted network, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt traffic. 

Keep Devices & Software Updated

Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browser, apps, and firmware (router, IoT devices). Many attacks exploit known security holes. 

Use Encrypted Communication

Consider using privacy-focused email services (ProtonMail, Tutanota) and encrypted messaging apps like Signal to reduce exposure. 

Monitor Your Accounts & Identity

  • Set up real-time alerts (login, transaction, low balance) via Digital Banking.

  • Regularly review statements, credit reports, and logins.

  • Use identity monitoring services to detect suspicious activities early.

Beware of QR Code Scams

Scammers sometimes embed malicious links into QR codes. Always verify that QR scans are legitimate—type or verify the URL manually when uncertain.

Practice Zero Trust / Least Privilege

Trust nothing by default. Any request—whether local or remote—should be validated. Don’t give apps more privileges than needed. 

5. Specific Scam Alerts: Unemployment, Job, & Benefit Scams

Unemployment / Benefit Scams

  • Government agencies will never charge you a fee to file claims.

  • Fake emails or calls may say your claim is incomplete, then ask for your personal info. Don’t respond—call your state labor office directly using contact info from their official .gov site.

  • Be cautious of texts claiming your benefits are suspended and asking you to reactivate by supplying banking info.

  • Identity theft is real: scammers may apply for unemployment benefits in your name.

Jobseeker / Employment Scams

Watch for job offers that:
  • Request your SSN before hiring
  • Don’t provide a business or company name
  • Ask for a startup fee or “processing” payment
  • Only reference a resume you never submitted
  • Promise pay via transfers before you work

Even legitimate-looking emails (with logos) can be fake. If you did not initiate a job application, be cautious.

Fake Websites / Claim Sites

Only use official government domains (e.g. .gov). Scammers often create websites that mimic official ones but use .com or other domains to collect data.

6. What We Recommend (for Chambers Bank Customers)

  • Call us immediately if a request seems suspicious

  • We never email or telephone you asking for your account credentials

  • Use our card controls — set alerts for card usage or limits

  • Enable account alerts (deposits, large transactions, balance changes) via text/email

  • Enroll in eStatements to avoid paper statements being intercepted or thrown away

  • Take advantage of Identity Monitoring (included for Chambers Club checking)

7. Additional Trusted Resources

Leaving Chambers Bank.

You are about to visit a third-party site not operated by Chambers Bank, a FDIC-insured institution.

Chambers Bank’s privacy policy and security practices do not apply to the site you are about to enter, please review the third-party's privacy and security practices.

Continue   Cancel